Bamboo and Squirrels, late 19th - early 20th century
Mochizuki Gyokusenexpand_more
Hanging scroll; ink on paperexpand_more
Gift of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture; formerly given to the Center by Dr and Mrs Sherman Leeexpand_more 2013.29.304
Not on Viewexpand_more
Two lively squirrels add interest, charm, and a touch of humor to a classic subject of ink painting, bamboo. While squirrels have no specific symbolic meaning in Japanese art, they appeared as decorative motifs in netsuke, ornamental toggles used to attach personal items to the sash. Paired with bamboo shoots, the courting squirrels allude to the arrival of spring; or perhaps, given the graceful flexibility of bamboo, are a parable of successful marriage.
Mochizuki Gyokusen was the first generation of a lineage of artists bearing the Mochizuki name. He began his career creating designs for inrō (tiered boxes worn attached to the sash) in lacquer (maki-e ); perhaps this foundation in the decorative arts inspired the choice of subject for this painting. Gyokusen later studied Tosa and Kanō styles of painting under Tosa Mitsunari (1646–1710) and Yamaguchi Sekkei (1612–1669) respectively.
Details
- Title
- Bamboo and Squirrels
- Artist Life
- 1834 - 1913
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.29.304
- 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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