Winter [center right from the set Rice Farming in the Four Seasons] c. 1620s

This Japanese screen panel, ‘Winter,’ was painted by Kano Sanraku in the early 17th century, as part of a series illustrating rice farming through the seasons. The painting itself is made with ink and color on paper. It's fascinating to consider how the materials emphasize the economic realities of agricultural labor. The paper support, though delicate, would have been relatively inexpensive and readily available. And the subdued palette, rendered in ink and light washes of color, is a far cry from the opulent gold leaf one often associates with Kano School painting. Instead, Sanraku deploys his considerable skill to depict the lives of ordinary people working the land. Look closely, and you'll see the careful brushstrokes used to define the figures, their clothing, and the landscape around them. The artist's hand, and thus the labor involved, is evident throughout the whole composition. It's a testament to the value of craft, and to those who dedicate their lives to it.