Leisure Time on Willow-Covered Banks

1920s

Japanese, 1891 - 1975

The idyllic joys of the scholar's life fill this springtime setting along a canal in China, perhaps in the city of Suzhou, which is renowned for its scenic waterways and artistic gardens. An attendant prepares tea in one of the pavilions that rest on pilings over the water and dot the banks of the canal, while scholars enjoy the views or chat leisurely.
Inshô's travels in China inspired paintings that both reflected ancient literati traditions and captured his experiences there.

Ink and colors on silk

77 9/16 x 19 5/8 in. (197 x 49.9 cm)

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

2010.41.45

Photo: Eduardo Calderon

Not currently on view

Resources

Published ReferencesMorioka, Michiyo; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 286, illus. 81.

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