Ascending Dragon

1928

Japanese, 1879 - 1936

The dragon was the Chinese calendrical animal for 1928, and Keisen painted this scroll to celebrate the new year. A dragon emerging from water is auspicious for a successful undertaking, and the dynamism of this image enhances its role as a lucky charm. Keisen's wet rendering of billowing clouds and the casual brushwork denoting the dragon's snout and body derive from the Rinpa and literati schools. Despite its basis in a traditional theme and styles, this humorous image projects a fresh, modern feeling.

Ink and slight colors on silk

84 1/2 x 22 in. (214.6 x 55.9 cm)

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

2010.41.38

Photo: Eduardo Calderon

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. 185, illus. 51.

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