Watching a Hunt in Sendai by Hosokawa Rinkoku

Watching a Hunt in Sendai c. early 19th century

hanging-scroll, ink, color-on-paper

amateur sketch

ink painting

incomplete sketchy

japan

possibly oil pastel

hanging-scroll

ink

color-on-paper

acrylic on canvas

underpainting

calligraphic

expressive brush stroke

mixed medium

watercolor

calligraphy

"Watching a Hunt in Sendai" is a hanging scroll painting by the Japanese artist Hosokawa Rinkoku, dating back to the early 19th century. The artwork depicts a hunting scene in the mountainous region of Sendai, with figures depicted in the foreground and a detailed landscape background. It is a striking example of Rinkoku's style, characterized by its delicate brushwork and atmospheric washes, which capture the subtle beauty of nature. The painting is a part of the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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This painting depicts people watching a hunt in Sendai in Tohoku province. It has been suggested that Rinkoku himself witnessed such scene on his travels. The phrase "watching the hunt" comes from a poem by Chinese poet Wang Wei (699-759), indicating Rinkoku's deep appreciation of Chinese culture. RInkoku outlines the mountain with simple lines then adds quick brush strokes and light colors to the mountains. Many people watch the hunting from the tops of the mountains. In the foreground, three men are about to catch an animal. According to the inscription, this is the moment when the leader of the hunt announces that the beast has been captured. Red flags fluttering in the blustery mountain heights intensify the drama of the scene.