Birds in Snow c. mid 19th century

This hanging scroll, Birds in Snow, was made by Nakabayashi Chikutō, likely in the early 19th century, using ink and color on paper. Like many East Asian paintings, the character of this work hinges on the artist’s mastery of his materials. Here, the ink is applied in such a way that it simulates the feathery texture of snow, and also the delicate plumage of the birds perched on the branches. The artist’s personal labor is evident in his attention to detail, and control over the brush. This exemplifies the literati tradition, where technical skill is deployed not for overt showmanship, but to create a work of quiet refinement. Traditional distinctions between art and craft can be challenged, as it is the careful arrangement of line, color, and form which speaks to the importance of materials, making, and context, which give the artwork its full meaning.