Album of Landscapes c. mid 18th century

This landscape album was created by Kō Fuyō in the 18th century using ink and color on paper. The composition, dominated by verticality, draws your eye upwards through a meticulously rendered mountainscape. The delicate washes of ink create a play of light and shadow, which models the form and texture of the rugged terrain. Look closely at how Fuyō employs the structural elements of line and form. The stark, angular lines defining the rock formations contrast with the softer, more organic shapes of the trees. Semiotically, the winding path suggests a journey, both physical and spiritual, while the secluded temple hints at a destination of enlightenment. The entire scene is framed by the void of the paper, emphasizing the constructed nature of the landscape as a space for contemplation. Consider the way Fuyō’s technique challenges conventional perspective, creating a sense of depth through layered forms rather than strict linear recession. The monochrome palette, punctuated by subtle earth tones, reinforces the contemplative mood. This interplay of form and void invites us to reflect on the relationship between humanity and nature.