Gamecock

Data

Artist Attributed to Tawaraya Sotatsu
Period Edo period, 17th century
Materials and techniques Hanging scroll, ink on paper
Size 99.8×47.1

Explanation

In his monochrome painting, Sōtatsu depicted a subject matter with gentle outline and frequently used blotting technique --- application of an additional layer of ink onto the first layer before it is completely dry, thus producing uneven patches of light and dark --- which made his works outstanding. He often chose animals and birds motifs and a few pictures of fighting roosters still exist. The characteristics of the fighting rooster are accurately sketched and effective use of the blurring attests to this work being one of his representative paintings.

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