Drawing Water from a Mountain Stream

ca.1860

This scene shows a scholar reading in a thatched hut surrounded by mountains. On a platform high above the stream rests a tea set for sencha, an informal practice of drinking steeped tea popular among literati. The scholar's attendant draws fresh water from the stream for the tea.

The theme of the ideal life of a Chinese scholar and the various brush techniques demonstrate Sôseki's fidelity to the style of Matsumura Goshun (1752-1811), the founder of the Shijô school. Outlined rocks and hillsides are defined by wash and short, side-tip brushstrokes.

Ink and very light colors on silk

77 1/8 x 18 3/4 in. (195.9 x 47.6cm)

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

2010.41.12

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. 63, illus. 2.

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM