Rock and Waves 1773

Maruyama Ōkyo created this ink on paper artwork, “Rock and Waves,” in the late 18th century, a period of transformation for Japanese art institutions. Ōkyo was a leading figure in the Maruyama School, known for its emphasis on realism and direct observation. In this work, we see a dynamic interplay of natural forces, as waves crash against a rock. This reflects a broader cultural interest in the natural world and the power of the sublime. Ōkyo's style broke from traditional Japanese painting by incorporating Western techniques of perspective and shading, which had entered Japan through trade with Europe. As a result, his school became incredibly popular within the art world and became the dominant style for art academies to teach their students. The prevalence of this style therefore shows the institutional influence of both traditional and foreign painting styles on Japanese art production at this time. Art historical research, including studies of Ōkyo's patrons and the social context of his work, reveals how artists negotiated tradition and innovation in a rapidly changing world.