Zheng Huangniu riding an ox [center of a triptych of Zheng Huangniu c. 19th century

Kano Naonobu painted this image of Zheng Huangniu riding an ox using ink on paper in Japan, sometime in the first half of the 17th century. Here, the artist has masterfully used ink to capture the essence of the subject with minimal strokes. The quality of the ink, its texture and tone, dictates the final appearance of the artwork, conveying depth and form, with washes and lines to model the figure of the rider and the ox. This technique is not just about representation. It’s about the artist’s engagement with a rich tradition, linking the act of painting to calligraphy and other highly skilled practices. The choice of ink and paper is significant. It speaks to a society that values refinement, skill, and a deep understanding of materials. This artwork invites us to look beyond the image and consider the cultural values embedded in the making process itself, where artistic skill meets material understanding.