Bears Playing

early 1920s

Japanese, 1879 - 1936

In a theme unusual among nihonga artists, Keisen painted black bears native to Japan, recognizable through distinguishing characteristics such as the slender snouts. Although Keisen traveled widely about the country, there is little possibility that he observed bears in the wild, yet his subjects display distinguishing characteristics such as the slender snouts and cavort playfully in a convincing manner. A lighthearted approach is typical of Keisen's animal painting.

Ink, scattered gold nashiji and colors on silk

83 1/16 x 15 in. (211 x 38.1cm)

Gift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2010.41.43

Photo: Eduardo Calderon

Not currently on view

Resources

Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 181, illus. 48.

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