Rousho Hakkeizu 

Ito Jakuchu made this vibrantly colored painting of chickens using ink and color on silk in 18th century Japan. Jakuchu’s detailed and decorative style, combined with his choice of such humble subject matter, gives us insight into Japanese culture during the Edo period. We know that the artist spent years observing chickens, and this close study shines through in his work. Yet his style diverged sharply from the mainstream art institutions of the time, which favored traditional ink wash painting in the Chinese style. Jakuchu was from a wealthy merchant family, which gave him the resources to pursue his distinctive vision. His work also resonates with the values of the growing urban middle class, who found beauty and meaning in the everyday world. To fully appreciate Jakuchu, we can consult historical records, examine other works from the Edo period, and research the social conditions that shaped his art. In doing so, we deepen our understanding of art as a product of its time, reflecting both personal expression and the forces of society.