American School 20th century

'Tagasode'



oil and gilt decoration on six-panel canvas

Mr. and Mrs. William Fahnestock Jr., Palm Beach, Florida

There is lovely retention of impasto and paint surface. The panels may be displayed in the present state. There is some minor abrasion to paint surface at the edges where the screens fold. There are some small losses of the gold and black brocaded ribbon that runs around the entire border of the screens. These losses are minor and should be easily replaced.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The subject of Tagasode, Japanese for "whose sleeves?" became fashionable in the 18th century as a means to evoke beautiful women whilst only depicting their kimonos. This six-panel painting recalls this tradition, all the while using western techniques such as oil paint and shadowing. For more on the Japanese development of this genre see Miyeko Murase, Byobu, Japanese Screens from New York Collections, New York, 1971, pp. 92-95.

On May 10, 1881, William founded Fahnestock & Co. The first Fahnestock & Co. office was located on the fifth floor of the First National Bank building at Two Wall Street, in New York City. Later, William Fahnestock, Jr. became a partner in the company and, upon the death of the founder in 1936, succeeded his father as Senior Partner.