Sound of Waves (Tosei)
1901
In this pair of striking golden screens, a fierce eagle with its wings widely open perches on a rugged rock on the seashore, overpowering the choppy waves below. The visual impact was amplified by the stunning golden background, against which the eagle was depicted in dark ink. The eagle is an auspicious motif in Japan, as the Japanese word for “eagle” (taka) is a homophone with a word that has felicitous meanings, such as “noble.” Kako painted this auspicious picture during the New Year's holiday in 1901.
Ink and color on gold paper
67 5/16 x 144 in. (171 x 366 cm)
Gift of Henry and Mary Ann James
98.45.1
