２２

FLOWERS AND PLANTS OF THE TWELVE

Tomita Keisen (1879–1936)
 
A set of witty and colorful seasonal scenes from the twelve months of the year presents lyrical effects. Among these tanzaku sheet paintings are scenes from Yoshino with cherry blossoms, the moonlit Yodo Castle and Takao region in autumn, all chosen from his expansive knowledge on scenic spots.

２３

GRAND HUNT AT THE FOOT OF Mt. FUJI

Hishida Shunsō (1874–1911)
Dated 1902
 
The scene of hunting from four directions at the foot of Mount Fuji depicts hunters with bows and arrows chasing game from behind pine trees and agile movement of hunted animals. Here, Shunsō tried to express the outdoor air and lights by applying pale blue colors on undulating hills in the far distance. Serene colors and delicate expression are intertwined resulting in Shunsō’s distinctive style.

２４

CARP

Hishida Shunsō (1874–1911)
Dated 1907
 
Shunsō painted this carp and water-weeds, a traditional theme, depicting leisurely movements of the carp. Shunsō’s great talent in realistic depiction is shown in the carp’s contour from head to body and in the true-to-life eye and scales.

２５

NIGHT RAIN IN THE XIAO-XIANG

Yokoyama Taikan（1868–1958）
Dated 1948
 
In this picture representing one of the eight scenes from the Xiao-Xiang, the flow of air and the far distance are expressed in tonal differences of black ink. It reflects Taikan’s new approach in monochrome painting. It was first exhibited in 1948 at the 33rd Inten Exhibition.

２６

CORMORANT FISHING

Kawai Gyokudō (1873–1957)
 
The scene of cormorant fishing in the Nagara River near his native home was one of Gyokudō’s favorite themes. Shades of torches reflecting over the waves and dark silhouettes of trees in the foreground eloquently express the deepening night. Streams of smoke from torches show that three boats are heading downstream along a sandbar in the middle of the river.

２７

THE “MONKEY” SCROLL

Maeda Seison (1885–1977)
Dated 1927
 
This is one of Seison’s representative paper scroll work showing the first section of the narrative “Saiyū-ki”.This illustrated scroll has monochrome pictures on plain spacious background following the Yamato-e style. The pictures exhibit masterly use of brush strokes and tonal differences of Indian ink expressing emotions, movements and depth.

２８

SEASHORE

Takeuchi Seihō (1864–1942)
Dated 1930
 
This unique composition contrasts a couple of vessels, large and partial, and a fisherman with some birds very small, against the vastness of the blue sea. Takeuchi Seihō excels at juxtaposing landscape and human customs.

２９

BAMBOOS AND SPARROW

Takeuchi Seihō (1864–1942)
ca. 1933–34
 
A lively depiction of a sparrow flying among swaying bamboo. The composition is bold with two bamboo stalks cutting across the screen diagonally. The inscription suggests that this work is from Takeuchi Seihō’s latter days when he created paintings in Yugawara, Kanagawa prefecture.

３０

SWALLOW ON WAVES

Takeuchi Seihō (1864–1942)
ca.1934
 
The braking wave startles a flying swallow. The vibrant colors of blue, white, and ink black create a harmonious composition, and the scene of nature is depicted with the artist’s expressive affinity with the wild bird.

３１

LOTUS AND FROG

Takeuchi Seihō (1864–1942)
Dated 1927
 
A frog floats in the water, perhaps maneuvering through the forest of verdant lotus leaves. Seihō enjoyed his home garden through the seasons, appreciating the transient nature of landscapes. He planted various flora in his garden, and lotus was one of his favorites, noting its “exquisite and gentle colors.”