Vintage Japanese Silk Hanging Scroll Painting Flying Snipe Moon Kakejiku

Overview
This antique Japanese kakejiku (hanging scroll) depicts a solitary flying snipe (shigi) descending gracefully past a pale crescent moon (mikazuki) above windblown autumn asters and wild grasses. Hand-painted on fine silk using delicate ink washes and natural mineral pigments, the composition captures the tranquil essence of an autumnal twilight. Framed within a patterned golden-tan silk brocade mounting (hyōgu), this early 20th-century artwork brings poetic stillness to modern living spaces, serving as a subtle, organic accent for Japandi, Wabi-Sabi, or contemporary gallery walls. Complimentary, fully insured standard shipping is included.
Deep Cultural & Historical Background
In classical Japanese literature and Nihonga painting traditions, the flying snipe under an autumn moon is a favored motif evoking mono no aware—a poignant awareness of the impermanence of nature and the passage of seasons. The snipe (shigi) is traditionally linked to autumn twilight in classical waka poetry, most famously referenced in Monk Saigyō’s 12th-century verse celebrating the quiet beauty of a marshland dusk.
Dating to the early 20th century (c. 1910–1930, spanning the Taishō and early Shōwa periods), the artwork showcases delicate brushwork in the feather patterns of the bird and soft indigo washes on the wild chrysanthemums (nojigiku). The central silk panel (honba) is backed with multi-layered Mulberry paper and framed by a patterned brocade border. The lower right quadrant bears the artist's handwritten brush signature (mei) along with an authenticating red vermilion seal stamp (hanko). The scroll is accompanied by its custom fitted patterned storage box for protective preservation.
Condition & Surface Character
The scroll remains structurally sound with its top hanging cord (kake-himo) securely attached. Reflecting a century of age, the hand-painted silk panel displays a warm, light golden patina with faint, age-appropriate foxing spots and gentle horizontal rolling creases across the support paper. The silk brocade borders remain intact, while the outer reverse backing paper shows light creasing and subtle edge wear consistent with historic storage and display.
Dimensions, Shipping & Display
Overall Scroll Height: 74.0 inches
Overall Scroll Width: 23.0 inches
Painting Panel Height: 39.0 inches
Painting Panel Width: 17.0 inches
Weight Profile: Light (approx. 2.0 lbs with storage box)
Shipping: Free Standard Shipping (Fully Insured & Securely Boxed)
Mounting/Display: Display stand not included. Equipped with top silk suspension cord for standard wall display; includes fitted patterned storage box.