Portraits of Ike Taiga and His Calligraphies in Seal and Grass Styles late 19th - early 20th century

This diptych, Portraits of Ike Taiga and His Calligraphies in Seal and Grass Styles, was made by Tomioka Tessai, using ink and color on paper. The materiality of paper, ink, and brush is critical to understanding this artwork; unlike Western painting with its illusionistic depth, here the artist embraces the flat surface. The ink bleeds slightly into the paper, creating soft, blurred edges, while the brushstrokes are clearly visible, giving the portrait a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The making of this work relies on the artist’s deep understanding of traditional calligraphy and painting techniques. Tomioka’s engagement with these skilled traditions elevates his artwork beyond mere representation, imbuing it with cultural significance. The inscription, executed in a calligraphic style, testifies to the artist’s mastery of script. The use of traditional materials and techniques is tied to wider social issues of cultural preservation and artistic identity. Tomioka consciously aligns himself with a lineage of Japanese artists and intellectuals, asserting the value of traditional arts in a rapidly modernizing world. This artwork challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, by embracing the inherent qualities of its materials and processes.