Dimensions 68 3/4 × 24 1/8 in. (174.63 × 61.28 cm) (image)
Yamamoto Baiitsu painted Landscape with Houses in a Ravine using ink on paper, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Baiitsu lived during the Edo period, a time of relative peace and flourishing arts in Japan. This landscape reflects the cultural values of the time, particularly an appreciation for the natural world and a sense of harmony. The painting presents an idealized view of nature. Towering mountains, modest homes, and lush trees are rendered in monochrome ink, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity and contemplation. Can you feel the serenity of nature in contrast to the bustling life of urban centers? It is worth noting that Baiitsu was not only a painter but also a scholar and poet. His artistic endeavors were deeply rooted in the cultural and intellectual life of his time. His work provides a window into the aesthetic and philosophical sensibilities of 19th-century Japan. It invites us to reflect on our own relationship with nature and the enduring human desire for tranquility.
Comments
Baiitsu, a scholar-painter from Nagoya, used a wide variety of brushstrokes and ink tones to build up solid, mountainous masses in this monumental landscape. The misty areas between the peaks and the dense foliage create a lush, peaceful atmosphere. The inscription reads: At the valley-mouth, my bramble gate is visited by no guest:after rainfall, fragrant paths have a covering of green.My mountain lad calls me from sleep,disturbing my tranquil withdrawal:the whole courtyard is filled with setting sunlight,among the bamboo shadows.(trans. Jonathan Chaves)
Join the conversation
Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.
CollectMore like this
