Landscapes 1828

This landscape was painted with ink on paper by Fujimoto Tesseki, sometime before his death in 1863. As with all ink paintings, the artist would have spent years mastering his materials. He ground the ink stick in water to make his pigment and used a supple brush to allow the ink to flow smoothly. Look closely, and you can appreciate how Tesseki has varied the consistency of his ink to create a remarkable range of tonality. The thinnest washes create soft, atmospheric effects, while deeper blacks define the craggy rocks and distant trees. The paper itself also plays a vital role. Its absorbency allows the ink to bleed slightly, softening the image and creating a sense of depth. The creation of a seemingly simple ink painting, therefore, involves years of training and a profound understanding of materials. Recognizing the skill required allows us to appreciate the work beyond the distinction between art and craft.