Aged Pines 1867 - 1899

"Aged Pines" is a six-panel screen by Suzuki Shōnen, a prominent Japanese artist of the late 19th century. The screen, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a lone, ancient pine tree rendered in black ink against a golden background, showcasing the artist's mastery of brushstrokes and ink washes. This work exemplifies the "literati" style of painting, emphasizing spontaneous expression and the beauty of nature. The screen's impressive size (68 1/16 in. x 12 ft. 1 3/16 in.) further enhances the majestic presence of the pine, a symbol of longevity and resilience in Japanese culture.