Fishermen's House at Night

Datelate 1860s

Maker Shiokawa Bunrin Japanese, 1808 - 1877

Label TextIn the mid-nineteenth century, Kyoto suffered severe social and political turmoil during a struggle to restore the imperial family to power. Like other painters, Bunrin may have sought a moment of tranquility in the timeless quality of rural life. Through extensive use of subtle washes, Bunrin created plausible night scenes. Here a single torch gives off light and smoke, and the smoke curls upward through misty branches. The red flame illuminates the fishermen, who lift rough baskets onto the shore by a simple dwelling.

Object number2010.41.13

Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 60, illus. 1.

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

Dimensions77 5/8 x 21 in. (197.2 x 53.3 cm)

MediumInk and light colors on grayish-toned silk