Japanese scrolled painting on silk by Kikuchi Yosai (1788-1878), also known as Kikuchi Takeyasu, depicting the sun rising behind Mount Horai. Signed in black ink at the lower left and with the artist's red Takeyasu seal below. A symbol for Japan, Mount Horai (Treasure Mountain) is a lofty mountain covered in pine, prunus, and bamboo on a mythical island of immortals in a distant sea. In the foreground swimming toward the rocky shore, a pair of tortoises whose backs are covered in seaweed, symbolize longevity. At the upper left, a pair of white cranes (also symbols of long life) fly toward the island. Mount Horai is a popular subject for New Year paintings. The rising sun motif was prominent in the Meiji period as a symbol of Japan's rise in power. This painting likely dates from the early Meiji period (circa 1870). Scroll: 75 1/2" x 19" (painting: 42 1/2" x 14"). The painting itself is in very good clean overall condition with only minor buckling evident. The bottom of the silk scroll mounting has a prominent stain. Fading and minor wear at the edge is evident on the mounting at the top. Examples of Kikuchi Yosai's paintings, signature, and Takeyasu seal can be found in the online collection of the MFA Boston. His paintings are also included in the collection of the British Museum.