Tsukigase

Date1880s

Maker Kishi Chikudo Japanese, 1826 - 1897

Label TextLong a subject of praise in both poetry and painting, Tsukigase near the ancient capital of Nara is known for plum blossom viewing and for its dramatic landscape of steep cliffs forming a narrow river gorge. Chikudô accentuated the monumentality of the far cliff by juxtaposing it with diminutive figures and buildings. The landscape nearly fills the picture, leaving only a glimpse of sky at the top. The vigorously applied white dots and rugged dark strokes convey an image of plum trees clinging to the mountainside.

Object number2010.41.5

Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 81-82, illus. 8.

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

Dimensions77 5/8 x 22 7/8 in. (197.2 x 58.1 cm)

MediumInk and light colors on silk