Mount Horai c. 1860s

"Mount Horai" is a painting by Kosetsu, a renowned Japanese artist, from the 1860s. The work, currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, depicts the mythical Mount Horai, a paradise in Chinese and Japanese mythology. The image is a delicate watercolor, showcasing a floating island of blue, green, and white hues, reflecting the celestial nature of the mountain. Kosetsu's refined brushstrokes and gentle color palette convey a sense of tranquility and otherworldliness, inviting the viewer to contemplate the beauty and mystique of the ancient legend.