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 47.6 cm)
Gift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
2010.41.12
