Five Figures Pulling a Boat c. 19th century

Oki Ichiga created ‘Five Figures Pulling a Boat’ using ink and color on paper, a composition dominated by earth tones. The scene presents a clear division between labor and nature, the pullers sharply contrasted against a serene backdrop. The composition uses a strong horizontal line established by the riverbank and the boat's trajectory, creating a sense of depth. This linear movement is counterbalanced by the static form of the mountain in the background. Ichiga plays with scale, making the human figures small relative to the landscape, emphasizing the insignificance, yet necessity, of human effort in the face of nature's grandeur. Here, the arrangement prompts contemplation on humankind’s relationship with its environment. The dynamic tension between the struggling figures and the tranquil landscape destabilizes traditional landscape art, reflecting on labor's role in the idyllic portrayal of nature. The use of color, specifically the muted earth tones against the blue mountain, provides a visual metaphor for the balance and conflict between human action and natural stasis. This interplay invites us to consider how cultural and philosophical values are embedded within artistic forms.