Tōkaibō with a Fishing Basket 1758 - 1778

Soga Shōhaku's "Tōkaibō with a Fishing Basket" (1758-1778) portrays a whimsical figure, known as Tōkaibō, a type of wandering ascetic common in Japanese art, sitting in a relaxed pose beside a bamboo grove. Shōhaku's use of ink and light washes creates a sense of subtle movement, enhancing the feeling of tranquility of the scene. The artwork's composition highlights the simple beauty of the natural world, a recurring theme in Shōhaku's work, reflecting the artist's affinity for Zen Buddhist aesthetics. The painting is a testament to Shōhaku's mastery of brushwork and ability to capture the essence of nature in his art.