tall thin trees dominate foreground beyond which is a scholar seated in a hut nestled in a valley; towering mountain peaks above with a waterfall to the right; small cluster of houses below tall cliffs on left

Scholarly Retreat Beneath Rocks and Cataracts, 19th century

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Ink on paperexpand_more

Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more  98.18.30

Not on Viewexpand_more

Rai San'yo was the headmaster of a Confucian academy in Kyoto in the early nineteenth century. In true literati fashion, he began painting purely for personal enjoyment. While he came into contact with many paintings from China, he developed a distinctive style of his own characterized by a bold use of the brush within rather orthodox compositions. In the inscription on this painting, San'yo clearly identifies himself with the literati tradition:In painting there is a difference between those of high spirit and those who seek to impress. If painting becomes fine and delicate, it will be narrow and limited. My ink-play should not be laborious. Should it ever become so, I will throw it away.

Details
Title
Scholarly Retreat Beneath Rocks and Cataracts
Artist Life
1781 - 1832
Role
Artist
Accession Number
98.18.30
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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tall thin trees dominate foreground beyond which is a scholar seated in a hut nestled in a valley; towering mountain peaks above with a waterfall to the right; small cluster of houses below tall cliffs on left