Monk Renshō Riding His Horse Backwards 1782 - 1784

This handscroll painting, *Monk Renshō Riding His Horse Backwards,* by the Japanese artist Matsumura Goshun (1752-1811), depicts a humorous scene of a monk riding a horse backwards, led by a man. The playful composition and simplified brushstrokes are characteristic of Goshun’s style, known as *Nanga*, which sought to revive the naturalism of Chinese painting traditions. This handscroll, created between 1782 and 1784, offers a glimpse into everyday life during Edo period Japan.