Tree Pruner

1920's

Japanese, 1887-1948

After a decades-long infatuation with Western painting aesthetics, Hakô later returned to an approach based on purely Japanese and Chinese styles by the end of the 1920s. In this unassuming piece, the lively atmosphere created by loose, spontaneous brushstrokes recalls Japanese literati painting, while the representation of the pine boughs is suggestive of yamatoe. Hakô believed that the application of light colors and the unassuming quality in this painting convey a sense of openhearted ingenuousness.

Ink and light colors on paper

52 3/8 x 17 7/8 in. (133 x 45.4 cm)

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

2010.41.55

Photo: Eduardo Calderon

Not currently on view

Resources

Published ReferencesMorioka, Michiyo; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 237, illus. 67.

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