Autumn Landscape 1770 - 1783

Yosa Buson painted this Autumn Landscape with ink and color on silk, likely in the late 18th century. Silk, prized for its smooth texture and ability to absorb fine details, was the perfect ground for Buson’s delicate brushwork. The artist’s technique, known as “literati painting,” favored personal expression over strict representation. You can see this in the soft washes of ink that create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The graded tones suggest the misty air of an autumn day. Buson's training as a Haiku poet also influenced his paintings. The seemingly simple landscape carries layers of meaning, inviting quiet contemplation. Far from being a spontaneous act, painting on silk was a highly skilled process, requiring years of training to master brush control and ink application. By understanding the material and techniques involved, we can appreciate the depth of cultural significance embedded within this elegant scroll.