Fishermen's House at Night
late 1860s
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 53.3 cm)
Gift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
2010.41.13
