Akashi Bay, late 18th century
Ike (Tokuyama) Gyokuranexpand_more
Ink on paper sized with micaexpand_more
Gift of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture; formerly given to the Center by Mr and Mrs Makiji Haseexpand_more 2013.29.1129
Not on Viewexpand_more
Gyokuran depicts a Japanese scene, one that she likely observed first-hand, rather than an idealized and imagined Chinese landscape. Her subject, Akashi Bay, is a well-known fishing village in present day Hyogo prefecture, best known for its octopus. This fan is typical of Gyokuran's oeuvre—small in format, and lacking in great drama, but rich in refinement, finesse and tranquility. Gyokuran follows a long tradition of combining text and image, but in using waka poetry for her inscription she further evolves literati painting along Japanese lines. The image dominates the right side of the fan, while the text is prominent on the lift, with a harmonious overlap in the middle. Each line of calligraphy is neatly ordered within a band of the fan between the bones, the text thus following the curve of the fan. In contrast the struts of land break away from this compositional device by jutting out at near perpendicular angles. The pine-covered strips of land are painted with a wet, flat brush, contrasting with the finer, more delicate and drier brushwork used for the inscription. The mood set by the poem is echoed in the painting. Using atmospheric perspective, Gyokuran depicts a poignant image of the loneliness of a cold autumn evening as distant fishing boats sail away, the suggestion of loved ones left behind.
Details
- Title
- Akashi Bay
- Artist Life
- 1727 - 1784
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.29.1129
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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