Heron on a Rock [right of a triptych of Scholar with Heron and Myna] by Kusumi Morikage

Heron on a Rock [right of a triptych of Scholar with Heron and Myna] c. mid 17th century

ink-on-paper

amateur sketch

light pencil work

ink painting

pencil sketch

incomplete sketchy

japan

ink-on-paper

pencil drawing

ink drawing experimentation

underpainting

watercolour illustration

watercolor

This ink-on-paper painting, created in the mid-17th century by the renowned Japanese artist Kusumi Morikage (1610-1700), depicts a heron perched on a rock. The work showcases Morikage's mastery of the *haboku* (ink wash) technique, using subtle shades of gray to create a sense of depth and volume. This painting is one of a three-part work, with the other two panels featuring a scholar and other birds, and is an example of *kacho-e*, a genre of Japanese art focused on birds and flowers. The minimalist composition and delicate brushstrokes evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Japanese hanging scrolls often come in groups of three: a central figure painting flanked by birds, landscapes, or complementary figures. Kusumi Morikage made this triptych’s central figure a Chinese scholar whose servant boy holds a pole to display a hanging scroll painting of bamboo. Though unidentified, the scholar is likely Su Dongpo (1037–1101), a famous Chinese statesman, poet, and painter. Bird-and-flower paintings in an abbreviated, quasi-Chinese style complement this portrait of an ancient Chinese literary hero.