Object Type
Artist
Period
Materials
Creation Date
Dimensions
|
Object Type |
18th Century Japanese Scroll |
|---|---|---|
Artist |
Sosen | |
Period |
Edo (18th century) | |
Materials |
Light Color on Silk | |
Creation Date |
ca. 1800 | |
Dimensions |
89.5 cm. x 33 cm. (35 1/4 in. x 13 in.) |
Commentary |
Most people believe if the fur is softly painted then the painting is by Sosen. Add to that two more important items. One is that all extremities must perform their function - a foot supporting a monkey must be in tension, and a foot off the ground should appear relaxed; a hand holding a vine should grasp it firmly, and one holding an insect should do so just enough to keep it from getting away. The second rule is that of concentration; the eyes must rivet directly upon its prey or upon whatever the monkey is doing. - JDP This is a picture of a parent monkey hanging from the white plum tree with the left hand and catching a bug with the right hand. A child monkey on the parent's shoulder is delightedly watching. Similar compositions were painted in 1786 (owned by the Saionji family, Kokka # 131), and repeated thereafter, which are owned by the Kimura family (Tõyõbijutsu taikan, 6) and the Yabumoto family (Kobijutsu 49). This organization was his favorite and variations were made by slightly changing the positions of the right hand and the child. Signature "Sosenhitsu," seal "Toshusho." (Kono) |