Schetsblad met reebok in struikgewas en twee havikskoppen 1799 - 1857

This is "Sketch Sheet with Roe Deer in Shrubbery and Two Hawk Heads," by Yamamoto Baiitsu, created sometime before 1856. It's made with ink on paper, a common combination in East Asian art. Ink work like this appears simple, but is actually incredibly sophisticated. The artist has to be in complete control of the ink's consistency, using more or less water to get the right tonal effect. Baiitsu also had to master the brushstroke, holding the tool correctly and applying just the right pressure to achieve a crisp line, or a softer, more textured one. The paper itself has a huge effect on the final appearance too. Absorbent papers allow the ink to bleed, creating a hazy effect. Less absorbent papers allow for finer detail. The thinness of the paper also affects the color, as the whiteness of the surface shines through the ink. In studying this work, we can appreciate the artist's deep knowledge of materials and processes, and how crucial these are to the overall impact.