Zhou Maoshu Admiring Lotuses 1634 - 1666

"Zhou Maoshu Admiring Lotuses," a hanging scroll by the Japanese artist Kaihō Yūsetsu, depicts a scene of quiet contemplation. Created between 1634 and 1666, the artwork showcases the artist's masterful use of ink and brushstrokes, creating a sense of atmospheric depth and subtle detail. The composition features two figures in a boat amidst a field of lotus flowers, with the main figure, Zhou Maoshu, leaning forward in admiration of the blossoms. The minimalist approach and delicate washes of ink highlight the beauty of nature and the moment of serene observation. The scroll, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a testament to Kaihō Yūsetsu's skill in capturing the essence of the natural world, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the Edo period.