Dimensions 15 15/16 x 21 1/8 in. (40.48 x 53.66 cm) (image)
Sakaki Hyakusen's *Imaginary Landscape* presents an ethereal world rendered in ink and light washes of color on paper. The composition invites the eye to wander through a dreamlike topography of mountains, trees, and architectural elements, all veiled in a soft, atmospheric perspective. The subtle gradations of tone create a sense of depth and distance, while the limited palette evokes a feeling of tranquility and contemplation. The overall structure is defined by layers of forms that recede into the distance, each meticulously placed to guide the viewer's gaze. The artist uses the concept of "negative space" to create a sense of balance and harmony. The brushstrokes vary in texture, from dry, scratchy lines to smooth, flowing strokes, adding complexity to the surface. This work destabilizes traditional landscape painting by presenting a highly stylized and imaginative vision. The emphasis on mood and atmosphere over strict representation reflects the broader philosophical concerns of the time, questioning fixed perceptions. The painting prompts us to reflect on our own understanding of nature and the interplay between the physical and metaphysical realms.
Comments
Sakaki Hyakusen probably developed his interest in Chinese painting because of his family's business of selling Chinese medicinal herbs. As one of the pioneers of Nanga painting, a style inspired by the great tradition of scholar painting in China, Hyakusen experimented widely. Here, curious scale discrepancies and spatial ambiguities suggest Hyakusen's artistic experimentation. The mixing of various thematic motifs, too, betrays his unfamiliarity with stock Chinese themes. Details such as the descending geese and the scholars who look toward a distant temple from a rocky ledge usually pertain to the famous Chinese theme of the "Eight Views of Xiao and Xiang." However, the cranes, waterfalls, and the fantastic quality of the landscape itself are elements common to paintings of the "Isles of the Immortals."
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