House by the Bay
Soga Shōhaku
Description
Subject Matter:
Soga Shōhaku was originally trained in the Kanō school, but is mostly known for his revival of Muromachi period (1333-1573) styles of ink painting that drew from Song (960-1279) and Ming dynasty (1368-1644) works that were imported from China at the time. The trope of the scholar in a wilderness retreat was adopted from Chinese painting, and the monochromatic ink used to depict the scene would have been understood as a continental Asian mode (kara-e, or "Chinese pictures".
Physical Description:
This hanging scroll depicts a scholar seated in a pavillion built into a mountainous landscape overlooking a bay. In the foreground, dark rocks rise up from the water to the right, while two large trees extend out over the water. Behind this is a series of five structures with a single figure inside, gazing out over the water. In the background, mist and mountains are suggested through the use of a lighter gray ink wash.
Usage Rights:
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