The striking sepia ink work on paper, signed with monogram and dated II-II MCMLXXI, brilliantly depicting the fluidity of the Japanese fantail or dragon willow shrub, presented framed and glazed and surviving from the early seventies.
The Estate of the late Howard Radclyffe & exhibited: Bernard Quaritch Ltd, London, “Raphaël Ghislain” in 1971
There is a biro inscription to the reserve which reads ‘Raphael Ghislain Exhibition, Quaritch Bookshop, 1971, with a further original paper label reading “Salix Sachalinensis ‘Sekka’’: (S.s Setsuka; S.s. f. lugulata, Kimura) A curious form with faciated branches, cultivated in Japan (Dzyariu Yanagi or Dragon Willow). Introduced sinxe 1950. £100 (76 x 53 cm.)
The artwork was priced at £100 at the exhibition in 1971, which equates to approximately £1,400 in today’s currency.
The Japanese fantail willow is a highly ornamental, large, rounded multi-stemmed shrub with dark maroon-black new growth and bright fall colors. ‘Sekka’ is grown as an ornamental shrub and for the flower market. With a very tropical summer look, autumn then brings rich yellow leaves and winter finds it stark naked but it retains a very distinct shape unlike any other willow.
A beautifully fluid and balanced and striking work by a talented artist of botany.
Good, with some spotting to the corners.
By appointment only.
