River Landscape and Distant Mountains c. 18th century

"River Landscape and Distant Mountains" is a hanging scroll painting by the Japanese artist Kuwayama Gyokushū (1746-1799). It depicts a river flowing through a landscape of mountains, trees and a small settlement in the foreground. The artist's use of brushstrokes and washes of ink to create a sense of depth and atmosphere is characteristic of the literati style, which flourished in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). Gyokushū's composition echoes the artistic principles of the Chinese literati tradition, while also exhibiting a uniquely Japanese sensibility. This ink and color on silk painting, currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, serves as an elegant and serene example of Japanese landscape art.