Dragon in a Rainy Night c. 18th century

"Dragon in a Rainy Night" (c. 18th century) by the renowned Japanese artist Nagasawa Rosetsu (1754-1799), depicts a mystical dragon ascending into a moonlit sky. Rosetsu, a master of the Rimpa school, utilizes a delicate and subtle brushwork to evoke the ethereal nature of the scene. The painting, a hanging scroll, showcases the artist's signature use of rich colors and bold compositions, capturing the essence of the rain-soaked night and the dragon's otherworldly presence. The dragon's form is almost ghostly, blending seamlessly with the swirling clouds and the silvery light of the moon. This artwork, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, exemplifies the captivating beauty and spiritual depth of Japanese art.