Japanese Oil Painting with Haniwa Figures, Takahashi, 1980s

Monumental Japanese oil painting, attributed to Takahashi. The composition presents a dense group of archaic-looking figures, clearly inspired by Japanese haniwa terracotta tomb figures, combined with stylised architectural forms in the background. The central figures seem to almost merge into one another, giving the image a compact, sculptural and slightly enigmatic quality.

Dimensions without frame: height 130.5 cm, width 97 cm, depth 3 cm. Dimensions with frame: height 148.5 cm, width 115 cm, depth 8 cm.

The oil paint has been applied heavily in rich impasto, with clear structure, built-up layers and a strongly tactile surface. The palette is soft and muted, with tones of grey-lilac, stone brown, pale yellow, light blue and greenish accents. The lighter background allows the darker, more solid figures to stand out strongly and gives the work a quiet yet distinctive presence.

What makes this painting particularly interesting is the tension between mass and openness: the compact, almost stone-like figures in the foreground set against the light, atmospheric space and the simplified architectural forms behind them. This gives the work a feeling that is at once grounded and dreamlike.

Like the other paintings in this group, this piece works exceptionally well today as a statement piece in a sober, eclectic or architectural interior. It brings texture, depth and a distinctive visual language into a space without becoming overpowering.

This work has no label or visible signature, but is attributed to the same artist as the other paintings in this series on the basis of style, format, technique and provenance.

The painting shows normal, honest traces of age and use, consistent with the work and the period.

Shipping & pickup: pickup in Antwerp possible; worldwide shipping on request.

Contact: info@blackmarket.earth or via the WhatsApp button.