Hanshan and Shide 1770 - 1773

This pair of hanging scrolls, "Hanshan and Shide" by renowned Japanese artist Yosa Buson, exemplifies the *literati* style of painting popular in the 18th century. The work depicts two legendary Chinese poets, Hanshan and Shide, known for their unconventional lifestyles and witty poems. The brushwork is loose and expressive, capturing the figures’ eccentric personalities in a minimalist, evocative setting. Buson, known for integrating poetry and painting, skillfully blends these two artistic expressions to create a serene and contemplative experience. The scrolls, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, are a testament to Buson's mastery of *sumi-e* (ink wash painting).