Antique Japanese Shikishi Painting
Samurai Figure on Silk — signed “Biei” (美栄), early 20th century shikishi
Original Antique Japanese Nihonga Shikishi Painting, Noh Theatre Warrior & Priestess, Signed “Yūsai”, Kyosai School Influence, Meiji-Taisho
A finely painted nihonga miniature on silk mounted as a shikishi board. The warrior is shown in full armor, wearing a high eboshi headgear and a jinbaori surcoat, holding a spear, with the daishō sword pair at his side. The figure is rendered with delicate brushwork and soft mineral colors, balancing historical iconography with modern aesthetics of Japanese painting.
Costume and symbolism
The costume combines elements of samurai armor with courtly attire. Instead of the typical battle helmet (kabuto), the warrior wears a tall eboshi cap, a headgear traditionally associated with aristocrats and used in ceremonial contexts. Over his armor he wears a jinbaori surcoat, a garment that by the early 20th century had become a historical symbol rather than practical equipment. The long spear (yari) and paired swords (daishō) emphasize the warrior’s identity, while the choice of dress highlights a symbolic, rather than strictly martial, representation. This reflects the early Taishō interest in reinterpreting the samurai figure as a cultural icon.
Artist: signed “Biei” (美栄) — an art-name (gō).
Seal: red rectangular seal reading Biei no in (“seal of Biei”), matching the signature.
School/Style: The style follows the traditions of nihonga with clear influence from the Shijō/Maruyama school, characterized by naturalistic detail, refined brush lines, and subtle color harmony.
Date: This work appears to belong to the Taishō period (1912–1926).
Materials: ink and mineral pigments on silk, mounted on traditional shikishi board.
Size (board): approx. 24 × 27 cm (9.4 × 10.6 in).
Condition: natural toning of silk, light abrasions, and tiny foxing spots; signature and seal remain clear and attractive.
Meaning of the name: Bi-ei combines “Beauty” (美) and “Flourishing/Prosperity” (栄), a refined art-name reflecting elegance and cultural depth.
Costume and symbolism
The costume combines elements of samurai armor with courtly attire. Instead of the typical battle helmet (kabuto), the warrior wears a tall eboshi cap, a headgear traditionally associated with aristocrats and used in ceremonial contexts. Over his armor he wears a jinbaori surcoat, a garment that by the early 20th century had become a historical symbol rather than practical equipment. The long spear (yari) and paired swords (daishō) emphasize the warrior’s identity, while the choice of dress highlights a symbolic, rather than strictly martial, representation. This reflects the early Taishō interest in reinterpreting the samurai figure as a cultural icon.
Artist: signed “Biei” (美栄) — an art-name (gō).
Seal: red rectangular seal reading Biei no in (“seal of Biei”), matching the signature.
School/Style: The style follows the traditions of nihonga with clear influence from the Shijō/Maruyama school, characterized by naturalistic detail, refined brush lines, and subtle color harmony.
Date: This work appears to belong to the Taishō period (1912–1926).
Materials: ink and mineral pigments on silk, mounted on traditional shikishi board.
Size (board): approx. 24 × 27 cm (9.4 × 10.6 in).
Condition: natural toning of silk, light abrasions, and tiny foxing spots; signature and seal remain clear and attractive.
Meaning of the name: Bi-ei combines “Beauty” (美) and “Flourishing/Prosperity” (栄), a refined art-name reflecting elegance and cultural depth.