Gathering Shellfish at Low Tide

Datelate 1920's

Maker Yamaguchi Hachikushi Japanese, 1890 - 1933

Label TextAlthough whimsical in appearance, Hachikushi's paintings often have a basis in actual experience. This view of the seashore was likely a recollection from the period of his seaside recuperation from tuberculosis in 1925 and 1926. Broad crescent strokes of ink describe the contours of the coastline, and abbreviated wet strokes adeptly evoke tiny, bent-over figures harvesting shellfish. The few critical touches of color serve to highlight the wonderful ink tonalities. Hachikushi's exquisite control of the brush and sense of composition were praised for fusing literati technique with the sensibility of haiga, the companion painting form to haiku.

Object number2010.41.73

Photo CreditPhoto: Eduardo Calderon

Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 188, illus. 52.

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

Dimensions77 1/16 x 13 1/2 in. (195.7 x 34.3 cm)

MediumInk and light colors on paper