Landscapes of the Four Seasons 1534 - 1566

These hanging scrolls, "Landscapes of the Four Seasons," were made by Keison in Japan during the 16th century, with ink and color on silk. The materiality of the silk support itself is key to understanding these works. The smooth, absorbent surface allows for the subtle gradations of ink wash that define the atmospheric perspective, with the texture of the silk lending a tactile quality to the misty landscapes. The artist's skilled manipulation of the brush, combined with the inherent qualities of the ink, creates a sense of depth and volume. The format of hanging scrolls has a direct connection to the social context. They were designed to be displayed temporarily, inviting viewers to contemplate the changing seasons. This impermanence contrasts with the permanence often associated with Western art, reflecting a different relationship to time, labor, and consumption. Ultimately, the beauty of these landscapes is not just in what they depict, but in the way the artist has skillfully used materials and techniques to evoke a sense of nature, time, and place.