Sweetfish in Summer and Autumn 1600 - 1850

"Sweetfish in Summer and Autumn" is a pair of hanging scrolls by the renowned Japanese artist Maruyama Ōkyo, created sometime between 1600 and 1850. Each scroll depicts a serene river scene, showcasing the beauty of nature in different seasons. The left scroll features a branch of maple leaves in autumn, their vibrant reds contrasting with the cool blue of the water. The right scroll presents a cluster of white blossoms, suggesting a summer scene. The artist's meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the depiction of the sweetfish swimming through the water, exemplifies the Maruyama-Shijō school's focus on realism and naturalism. These scrolls, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offer a glimpse into the appreciation for nature and seasonal change prevalent in traditional Japanese art.