Prince on Horseback with Entourage | Hanabusa Itchō (attrib.) 英一蝶（伝）（no signature) | 1652–1724

Although the back of the painting states that it may be by Hanabusa Itchō, we cannot accept this attribution at face value. Based on the inscription, the painting can at least be described as “attributed” (伝), but stylistically there are doubts. Itchō’s work is generally characterized by more unrestrained brushwork and expression - this painting, however, captivates with its balanced composition and subtle psychological depth. A comparison with an authentic Itchō painting depicting a prince on horseback accompanied by a servant may, given the similarity of the motif, highlight the differences between the two artists’ styles. In particular, the rendering of the horses reveals fundamentally different approaches.

 What is striking about this painting, which features six figures, is its compact overall composition: the wedge-shaped arrangement of the entire group conveys the aesthetic dictates of the triangle. The faces are rendered with the utmost delicacy. The noble prince turns toward his entourage with only a restrained yet decisive sidelong glance. This facial expression is achieved with the barest of means. The only lady in the entourage is delicate, soft, and lovely, as befits her station, while to her left - with a pronounced, angular jawline - stands presumably the indispensable bearded “old advisor.”

 The second servant from the right - the “ugly stablehand” type - most closely embodies “Itchō’s style”: he is screaming loudly and is intended to serve as the counterpart to the noble prince.

In terms of color, the painting is rendered with remarkable sensitivity in muted, light tones - another feature that tends to cast doubt on Itchō’s authorship.