For those who own works by Keizo Koyama: What to look for when appraising Mount Asama and Shirasagi Castle [Kaitori Iura]
When you think of Keizo Koyama, the first thing that may come to mind is the scenery of Mount Asama.
Mount Asama puffing smoke, its snow-capped peaks, and its mountainside dyed in red.
Works that depict the very presence of the mountain head-on through profound colors and powerful brushstrokes are known as Keizo Koyama's signature subjects.
Works depicting Himeji Castle, known as "Shirasagi Castle" (White Heron Castle), are also important.
He portrays the white walls and the structure of the architecture not merely as a famous landmark, but as a dignified composition.
Keizo Koyama is one of the representative artists of Showa-era Western-style painting.
His works do not rely solely on glamour; their great appeal lies in the stability of their composition, the depth of their colors, and the unique thickness characteristic of oil paintings.
■ Mount Asama and Shirasagi Castle are representative subjects
When appraising works by Keizo Koyama, we first confirm the type of work.
Is it an oil painting or a watercolor?
Is it a shikishi (colored paper), a sketch, a lithograph, a print collection, a poster, or a printed item?
The market perception changes depending on the format of the work.
We primarily want to check oil paintings on canvas.
In particular, works featuring subjects typical of Keizo Koyama, such as Mount Asama, Red Asama, Mount Asama in snow, Shirasagi Castle, and Himeji Castle, are areas we want to examine carefully.
For oil paintings, not only the signature on the front but also the information on the back of the canvas and the wooden frame is important.
If the title, year of production, tomo-seal (artist's authentication seal), certificate of authenticity, gallery seal, or exhibition seal remain, they serve as clues to verify the work.
Regarding condition, we check for cracks, paint peeling, paint shrinkage, paint lifting, repairs, pinholes, and sagging of the canvas.
While older works may show signs of aging, the assessment varies depending on the content of the work and its documentary value.
■ Introduced in detail on our blog
On the Kaitori Iura blog, we have published an article titled:
"Keizo Koyama Purchase & Appraisal | Explaining the Market Value of Oil Paintings, Mount Asama, and Shirasagi Castle Works"
The blog summarizes the following content:
・Market trends for Keizo Koyama's works
・Differences between oil paintings, watercolors, shikishi, and lithographs
・Representative subjects such as Mount Asama, Red Asama, snowy landscapes, and Shirasagi Castle
・Points to check regarding signatures and the back of the canvas
・How to view tomo-seals, certificates of authenticity, and gallery seals
・Appraisal documents from the Tokyo Art Club, the Tokyo Bijutsu Kantei Hyoka Kiko, etc.
・Regarding the Keizo Koyama Association registration certificate
・Checking preservation status such as cracks, peeling, and paint shrinkage
・Photos you should take before an appraisal
The value of a Keizo Koyama work is not determined solely by the artist's name.
It is important to comprehensively look at whether it is an oil or watercolor, whether it is a representative subject like Mount Asama or Shirasagi Castle, whether authentication documents or provenance can be confirmed, and whether there are any major issues with its preservation status.
▶ Click here for the blog article
[Keizo Koyama Purchase & Appraisal | Explaining the Market Value of Oil Paintings, Mount Asama, and Shirasagi Castle Works]
■ For those considering an appraisal or sale of Keizo Koyama's works
When appraising works by Keizo Koyama, it is helpful to have photos of the entire work, as well as photos showing the signature, the back of the canvas, the wooden frame, the title, the 'tomo-seal' (certificate of authenticity label), the appraisal certificate, the gallery label, the back of the frame, and the overall condition.
We can consult on oil paintings of Mt. Asama and White Heron Castle, as well as watercolors, shikishi (colored paper), sketches, lithographs, and print collections.
For paper works, we also check for stains, yellowing, waviness, adhesive marks, backing, and the condition of the framing.
At Kaitori Iura, we appraise Keizo Koyama's oil paintings, watercolors, sketches, shikishi, lithographs, and works featuring Mt. Asama, White Heron Castle, still lifes, and portraits by carefully examining the content and condition of each piece.
Even if you have not yet decided to sell, you can consult us for:
“I want to confirm if this is an oil painting by Keizo Koyama”
“I want to know the valuation of this Mt. Asama work”
“I don't know how to read the appraisal certificate or tomo-seal”
and other such inquiries.
Please feel free to contact us first.
🔗 [Official Website] Start your appraisal easily with smartphone photos
https://art-kaitori-iura.online/
*Sending photos via the form is also fine. Recommended for those who are not comfortable with LINE.
💬 [LINE Appraisal Window]
https://line.me/ti/p/JYGd9rTEUw
Iura will personally handle all inquiries.
✅ Just send 2 photos from your smartphone (one of the whole work + one showing the tomo-seal or other details)
✅ Directly examined by an expert with 30 years of experience in the art trade
✅ No pressure to make an immediate decision; feel free to consult with peace of mind
📱 You can easily consult us via LINE. Please take your time to consider whether to sell after the appraisal. For those interested, please first prepare 2 smartphone photos (the whole work + signature or back) and we can provide an initial consultation for free.
➡️ Contact Information
Iura Direct Mobile: 090-2494-0390
Email: roid1@me.com
Iura Personal LINE: Please feel free to register as your art concierge.
https://lin.ee/eTCfxLv
https://art-kaitori-iura.online/
#KeizoKoyama
#KeizoKoyama
#WesternPainting
#OilPainting
#MtAsama
#RedAsama
#WhiteHeronCastle
#HimejiCastle
#ShowaWesternPainting
#LandscapePainting
#Lithograph
#WesternPaintingPurchase
#PaintingPurchase
#PrintPurchase
#ArtPurchase
#ArtAppraisal
#KaitoriIura