Banana Leaves 1790s

Ito Jakuchu made this hanging scroll, *Banana Leaves*, using ink and color on paper in eighteenth-century Japan. You can see that the artist engaged with the tradition of *sumi-e*, or ink wash painting, and the materials and processes central to this discipline. Look closely and you’ll notice how the monochrome palette influences the appearance of the plant, focusing attention on its texture, weight, and form. The artist masterfully manipulates ink to create varying shades of gray, capturing the essence of the leaves with remarkable realism. He would have needed rigorous control of the brush and ink density to generate such tonality. The work also prompts reflection on the amount of time and labor invested in its production. Jakuchu clearly wished to elevate the status of painting as a high art form. Appreciating the careful engagement with materials and making techniques allows us to expand our understanding of the artist's intention.