Bo Le [right of a pair of the Legends of Xu You c. early 1760s

"Bo Le," created by Soga Shōhaku in the 18th century, is painted with ink on paper, a traditional method in East Asian art. But it’s Shōhaku’s distinctive approach to these materials that really grabs your attention. Look at the way he’s applied the ink. It’s not just about depicting a scene; it's about texture and movement. Notice the rugged mountains and the swirling clouds, all rendered with such dynamic brushwork. You can almost feel the energy in each stroke. This wasn’t just about replicating what he saw, but about interpreting it through the very act of painting. Shōhaku was part of a movement that challenged conventional artistic norms, and instead embraced individuality and expression. You can appreciate how his engagement with these materials reflects a broader cultural impulse. His process encourages us to consider not just what is shown, but how the artwork was brought into being.