Rider [center of a triptych of Three Scenes of Autumn Evening] c. late 17th century

Sumiyoshi Gukei created this ink and color on silk painting of a rider in the late 17th century. Here, we observe a lone rider, a samurai perhaps, mounted on horseback amidst a muted, ethereal landscape. The horse, a symbol of power and nobility across cultures, carries not just the rider but the weight of tradition. This image resonates with equestrian statues of Roman emperors, where the horse elevates the ruler. But consider too, the shadow of the horse—a symbol of primal instinct and untamed energy. Across cultures, the horse embodies contradictory forces. From the divine steeds of Greek mythology to the warhorses of the Mongolian steppes. This motif, echoing through time, reminds us of art's enduring capacity to evoke deep-seated emotions and shared human experiences.