Lot 891
[Sugamo Prison, Tokyo] Original Drawing of a Geisha by Col. Chikayoshi Sugeta. Original drawing of a geisha signed by Col. Sugeta in 1947 while in prison and on trial for crimes committed during World War II, 14 x 9", matted and framed to 18¼ x 13". The prisoners were not allowed to have steel pens or pencils because they might try to commit suicide, so Col. Sugeta drew this picture using a sharpened feather and crushed blackberries. He put together two pieces of rice paper, toned and with some stains, to make the drawing, which is exquisite. Col. Sugeta signed vertically on the lower right side. Col. Sugeta's style of handwriting is referred to as "grass writing."
Young American private Sam Million had been too young to fight during the war. He was inducted into the Army on Oct. 2, 1946 and assigned to Headquarters Detachment, 8th Army, under the command of General Douglas MacArthur Headquarters. Mr. Million was assigned to Sugamo Prison as a guard to top-level (Class A) Japanese war criminals.
One day in 1947, while on guard duty, he passed by the cell of Col. Chikayoshi Sugeta, who called to him, "Jailer-san, Chotto matte kudasai" ("Jailer sir, please wait a minute), then in broken English, said that the drawing was for him. Later the colonel explained (or demonstrated) how he had made the drawing. Private Million thanked the colonel and put the drawing in his foot locker between two pieces of cardboard to protect it. When he retuned home, he had it framed and has kept it ever since. The drawing is accompanied by a signed statement by Mr. Million describing how he received the drawing.
Estimated Value $2,000-UP.
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| Realized $1,230 |
