'Haru Yanai' - Original Mid-Century Oil Portrait in Period Frame
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A beautiful and characterful original oil portrait by British artist Edward James Morss, believed to date from the mid-20th century.
Titled Haru Yanai, the painting depicts a young Japanese woman in profile, with flowing dark hair, a delicate floral hair ornament and a wonderfully warm golden background. The expressive brushwork and soft, earthy colours give the piece a lovely sense of warmth and personality.
Signed MORSS to the lower left, the painting also retains its original Royal Institute Galleries exhibition label and a James Bourlet & Sons label on the reverse — wonderful little details that add to its history.
Presented in a gorgeous, deep-set vintage frame with a softly distressed gilt finish, which complements the painting beautifully.
The Artist
Edward James Morss studied at Sheffield College of Art and the Royal College of Art before becoming an established painter and art educator. He served as Principal of St Martin's School of Art in London and exhibited widely throughout his career.
A distinctive and evocative example of mid-century British portraiture, with an intriguing Japanese subject and surviving exhibition provenance.
Details
Artist: Edward James Morss (1906–1994)
Title: Haru Yanai
Medium: Oil on canvas
Period: Mid-20th century
Signature: Signed lower left
Overall dimensions: 42 cm wide × 48 cm high, including frame
Provenance: Historic Royal Institute Galleries exhibition label and James Bourlet & Sons label verso
Condition: Vintage condition with visible age-related wear to the frame, including rubbing and losses to the gilt finish. Please refer to photographs for details.
An original artwork full of character, ideal for collectors of British modernist painting, vintage portraiture and distinctive mid-century interiors.
Vintage Art Notes
All of the artworks in our collection are vintage or pre-loved, so some signs of age and previous life are to be expected. Gentle patina, surface wear and occasional marks or blemishes to the frame are all part of their individual character and charm. Please take a close look through all of the photographs, as these form an important part of the description and provide the best indication of each piece’s condition and details.
Art Shipping Service
- Shipping is available to all mainland UK postcodes.
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Caring for Your Vintage Artwork
Original vintage paintings have already enjoyed a life of their own, and with a little thoughtful care, they can continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Choose the right spot
Display your artwork away from direct sunlight, radiators and other sources of heat. Avoid damp spaces or areas with significant changes in temperature or humidity, as these can affect older paintings, paper and frames over time.
Dust with care
Gently dust frames using a clean, soft, dry cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Avoid household cleaning sprays, polishes and abrasive materials. For paintings without glass, it's best not to touch or wipe the painted surface, particularly where the paint is textured or delicate.
Take care with glass
For glazed artwork, use a soft microfibre cloth to clean the glass. If needed, apply a small amount of suitable glass cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying it directly onto the artwork, taking care to keep moisture away from the frame and edges.
Hang securely
Use suitable picture hooks and fixings for the weight of your artwork and the type of wall. As vintage frames and hanging fittings can show signs of age, we recommend checking them before hanging and periodically thereafter.
Embrace its character
Small signs of age are part of the charm of original vintage art. Gentle wear, patina and imperfections often tell the story of a piece and are part of what makes each artwork so individual.
With these simple precautions, your vintage artwork can remain a much-loved part of your home for years to come.
