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Turtle

	Object Type	18th Century Japanese Scroll
	Artist	Rosetsu
	Period	Edo (18th century)
	Materials	Light Color on Paper Scroll (one of pair)
	Creation Date	ca. 1785
	Dimensions	117 cm. x 54.5 cm. (46 1/8 in. x 21 1/2 in.)

Commentary

Loosely sketched paintings like this are rather rare in the collection for most seem to lack the ability of the brush to express actuality. This is certainly not true here, for the turtle is alive, his legs have a strength as if ready to propel him ahead. There are no wasted brushstrokes and, even though rapidly done, each defines a shape which would be attractive even slowly and deliberately drawn. - JDP On the right is a turtle and on the left is a sea god, facing each other. The turtle is an iconography for longevity and the sea god is manifestation of longevity. This work demonstrates Rosetsu's exquisite talent in spontaneity. He threw his concepts onto the paper with simple and quick brush strokes. His teacher, Õkyo, would never be able to achieve this quality; he would have resisted a conceptual approach. Signature "Rosetsu saku" and seal "Gyo" on the right hanging scroll; signature"Heian Rosetsu sha," and seals "In" "Kyo" on the left hanging scroll. (Sasaki)