Painting, monks and musicians, Japan, 20th century

Highly unusual view of a Buddhist service. In the center sits a priest surrounded by 13 monks. They are all sitting on tatami mats, their hands folded in prayer around rosaries. In the back plays a group of musicians. In the background an altar with a painting of the Buddha Amida, flanked by portraits of priests. Very unusual painting with extremely realistic faces. Black ink and colors and gold on silk. Japan, allegedly painted in 1935, probably on special order or for a special occasion.
Measurements: ca. 27.5 x 46.5 inches (69 x 116 cm). Framed.
Few stains and creases, otherwise excellent condition.

Even though the year 1935 is not verifiable, the highly realistic style of the painting and the very typical Japanese subject matter point in the direction of the Nihonga movement that was very strong in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s.

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