Fishermen's House at Night

late 1860s

Japanese, 1808 - 1877

In 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.

Ink and light colors on grayish-toned silk

77 5/8 x 21 in. (197.2 x 53.3cm)

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

2010.41.13

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. 60, illus. 1.

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