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Monkeys in Autumn Landscape

	Object Type	18th Century Japanese Fusuma
	Artist	Sosen
	Period	Edo (18th century)
	Materials	Gold Flects, Sumi, and Light Color on Paper
	Creation Date	ca. 1800
	Dimensions	176.6 cm. x 96.1 cm. (69 1/2 in. x 37 7/8 in.) - Measurements are for each Fusuma panel

Commentary

Fusuma (sliding doors) were a common format for Japanese painters, but because they were an integral part of the living home only a relative few survived compared to screens which were usually stored in a crate within a treasure house that was at least fire resistant. Many fusuma which did survive the fires, floods, and tragic wars were converted to screens. This set did survive in its original form. You will note that the two inner panels have the most decorative effect for they would still be visible when the doors were open, the outer panels being hidden behind them.- JDP It is said that Mori Sosen (1747-1821) was born in Nagasaki, but he was active in the Osaka area during the middle to the end of the Edo period. He studied the Kano style, but later he learned the naturalistic style and established his own Mori school. His nephew, Tessan, who was active at the Okyo school, succeeded the Mori school, and after him Ippo and Kansai succeeded. The theme of the painting is a troop of monkeys frolicking among the branches of a fruit tree on a late afternoon of autumn. This is his early work with an emphasis of ink on paper. While the sun is about to go down, five monkeys are enjoying the harvest of fruits in the mountain, where ivies are turning to autumnal colors. Signature-"Sosen." Seals- "Shu" and "Zo" in red letters. (Sasaki)