Bamboo c. 18th century

"Bamboo" is a striking 18th-century ink-on-paper painting by the renowned Japanese artist Sō Shiseki. The painting, currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, depicts a single stalk of bamboo rising powerfully from a dense thicket of foliage, conveying the artist's masterful ability to capture the essence of nature through minimal brushstrokes. The stark contrast between the white ink and the dark paper creates a sense of depth and realism, highlighting the delicate yet resilient nature of the plant. Shiseki's work, known for its elegant simplicity, reflects the spirit of Zen Buddhism and the profound beauty found in the natural world.