Wintry Sky

1930's

Japanese, 1887-1971

The bleakness of approaching winter is lovingly captured by the dramatically angled tree trunk set against a somber grey sky. The seven chattering chickadees, with their white cheeks and black neckties, enliven the otherwise somber scene. Hosen employs the boneless wash so favored by his mentor, the nihonga master Takeuchi Seiho, and his atmospheric works were often closely associated with those of his teacher.

Ink and light colors on silk

70 7/8 x 40 5/16 in. (180 x 102.4 cm)

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

2010.41.72

Photo: Eduardo Calderon

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, "Transforming Traditions: Japanese and Korean Art since 1800", May 23, 2009 - February 21, 2010

Published ReferencesMorioka, Michiyo; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 277, illus. 78.

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