August (Horse Given to the Emperor) c. 1910

Suzuki Toshimoto probably made August (Horse Given to the Emperor) sometime in the 20th century, using ink and color on silk. It’s a tall, slender hanging scroll, washed in delicate hues. I’m trying to imagine the act of painting this scene, the artist perched and poised, feeling the brush in their hand, mixing the ink, considering the story and composition. I wonder, what kind of horse was it? A small one, given how it's dwarfed by its handlers! I love how the composition is full of quiet moments and soft colors. The pale greens and blues are just gorgeous. I’m thinking about other artists working at the time, sharing ideas, practices, and techniques. It's like this painting is a little echo of everything that came before, and a little preview of everything that's still to come. Art, after all, is one long, amazing conversation!