Shotoku Riding a Lion c. 16th century

This hanging scroll, attributed to Ashikaga Yoshitane, was made in Japan using ink and color on silk. Silk, known for its smooth texture and sheen, was a luxury material, traded along the Silk Road, and became significant in religious and secular art. Here, the silk support has a complex relationship to the image it carries. The threads have been carefully prepared and woven, then dyed to create a receptive surface for the painting. Notice how the ink appears to float on the surface, creating depth and texture. The artist’s hand and brush are evident, but the qualities of the material also influence our perception of the image. The painting has then been mounted as a hanging scroll with decorative silk borders. The creation of silk and the skill required for painting underscore the connection between material, making, and cultural significance. This challenges any simple division between ‘fine art’ and ‘craft’.