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Horses

( Left of a pair of Gold Screens )

	Object Type	18th Century Japanese Screen
	Artist	Shohaku
	Period	Edo (18th century)
	Materials	Sumi Ink on Gold Leaf Screen
	Creation Date	ca.1760
	Dimensions	153.5 cm. x 361 cm. (60 3/8 in. x 142 1/8 in.)

Commentary

This is one of Shohaku's early works and possibly the first one he attempted to paint over gold leaf. For screens, artists usually painted on paper and then added gold to the empty spaces, for painting directly upon the gold surface is quite difficult. Shohaku paints with a big brush using very spontaneous movements, and his horses are quite animated. Gold screens were extremely expensive, and it must have taken a lot of courage for a young artist to make the first stroke. Painting with a big brush like this helps to support Shohaku's reputation as an eccentric. - JDP