Schilderende schildpadden 1810 - 1850

Onishi Chinnen made this playful ink drawing, “ Schilderde schildpadden,” sometime before his death in 1851. Chinnen was part of the Bunjinga movement, a group of Japanese artists who prized individuality, self-expression, and the integration of calligraphy and painting. Here, three turtles are gathered around a large sheet of paper and a jar of brushes. One turtle holds a brush as if in the act of painting, engaging in a practice associated with the literati elite. What might it mean to imbue these creatures with the act of artistic creation? In many cultures, turtles symbolize longevity and wisdom. In Japan, they are also associated with good fortune. This drawing might comment on artistic aspirations and the pursuit of knowledge, with a touch of humor. Consider also how the Bunjinga artists often sought to challenge traditional artistic norms. By depicting turtles as painters, Chinnen subverts expectations about who can create art. This charming work encourages us to rethink the boundaries of creativity and the roles we inhabit.