Wang Ziyou Visiting Dai Andao on a Snowy Evening (Ō Shiyū hō Tai Andō zu) 1634 - 1651

Kano Sansetsu created this image with ink, colour, and gold wash on paper. The two-fold screen presents a winter scene dominated by soft, muted tones and gentle washes of gold, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation. The composition unfolds with a stark, almost minimalist approach. On the left, a snow-laden pavilion is nestled among rocks, while on the right, a lone boatman navigates a misty expanse of water. Mountains loom in the background, their peaks fading into the distance. The use of empty space is deliberate, creating a sense of depth and inviting the viewer to fill in the scene with their imagination. Sansetsu’s work reflects a broader artistic and philosophical concern with the natural world, which destabilizes any established meanings, or values. The subdued palette and asymmetrical composition challenge conventional notions of beauty. The structure of the painting, with its deliberate use of space and understated tones, encourages a mode of perception that values subtlety and nuance.