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River Landscape in Snow

Shiokawa Bunrin

Artwork Details

River Landscape in Snow
circa 1840-1877
Shiokawa Bunrin
ink and light color on silk
19 x 28 3/8 in. (48.9 x 72.1 cm); ;
Gift of Helmut Stern
2003/1.401

Description

Subject Matter:

Shiokawa Bunrin was a Shijo painter who particularly enjoyed painting landscapes. He also learned the Nanga and Western painting styles though he was most interested in the movement of light in his works. His study of light can be found in the mist of this painting. These naturalistic paintings that incorporate the seasons are typical in Japanese culture.

Physical Description:

As the title suggests, this hanging scroll depicts a river landscape in the snow. The painting is suspended in two different shades of blue patterned silk with gold accents. In the foreground of the painting, there are three figures hauling a covered boat. The people are off to the left side while the boat hangs over a small precipice on the right. Just beyond them is the large river. Beyond that are snowy mountaintops partially obscured by mist and clouds. There is a signature on the bottom right followed by two red seals. 

Usage Rights:

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