Edward Atkinson Hornel

Aitken Dott & Son, Edinburgh;
Private Collection

The board is sound. There is some very light craquelure to some areas of thick impasto. Otherwise in good original condition, clean and ready to hang. Ultraviolet light reveals no sign of retouching. Held in a simply decorated gold painted frame in fair condition. Under glass and unexamined out of frame.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In 1893 Edward Atkinson Hornel and George Henry visited Japan, funded by among others, the picture dealer Alexander Reid and the Glasgow collector and ship-owner William Burrell. The two artists arrived in Nagasaki in late April, a beautiful time of the year to be introduced to Japan, with the last snow still on the ground and the plum trees laden with blossom. The artists based themselves in Tokyo and although they had wanted to experience Japanese life, government regulations restricted their meeting with local people. However in the grounds of Ueno park and nearby Asakusa, Hornel was able to interact with families enjoying the sunshine; "I associate and love to remember them, as a large and happy family, clattering along in the sunshine with smiling faces and no thought of the morrow, to spend the day 'mid plum and cherry blossom, or at night joyous and elevated with saki, amusing themselves with pretty geishas, dancing to the weird music." (Ibid Smith, pg. 93) Hornel was fascinated by the tea ceremonies, the beautiful dancing, the elegance of the young women and their vibrant costumes. The paintings he produced in Japan reflect his enthusiasm for the country and its people. The body of work which Hornel produced during this short period contains some of his most interesting and beautiful pictures.