Scene from The Narrow Road to the Deep North 1600 - 1870

This fan painting, created by Japanese artist Yosa Buson (1716–1784), depicts a scene from the "Narrow Road to the Deep North," a classic travelogue written by Matsuo Bashō. The work showcases Buson's masterful brushwork and evokes the serene beauty of the Japanese landscape. The delicate lines and subtle washes of ink capture the essence of a tranquil natural scene, likely inspired by Bashō's poetic descriptions. The poem inscribed on the fan further enhances the visual narrative, connecting the viewer to the literary source and adding depth to the artwork. The fan painting, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies Buson's distinct style that blends traditional Japanese ink painting with poetic sensibilities.