Kakemono Fishing Boat

One of a kind — this work exists only once.

Period:
Meiji (1868–1912)
Dimensions (height x width):
173 x 50 cm
Item number:
4142

This piece has been sold.

Sold – no longer available

This piece was a handmade one-of-a-kind work. It cannot be reordered and will never exist in this form again. The page stays online as part of our archive.

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Details about the sold piece

  • JikusakiWood
  • Material HonshiSilk
  • MotifLandscape, People
  • TechniqueHand-Painted

Description

Vast stillness defines this kakemono: a lone fisherman poles his boat, laden with green catch, across calm water, while the greater part of the picture surface is deliberately left empty. This generous emptiness is a classic device of Japanese ink painting and draws the eye entirely to the small, finely drawn figure.

The motif of the fishing boat was among the popular subjects of landscape painting and stood symbolically for a simple life lived in harmony with nature. The delicate lines of the water and the reduced color palette create a meditative, almost poetic mood.

The painting was done on silk, framed with wooden rods; it dates from the Meiji period. At the lower right are the signature and the artist's red seal. This kakemono is an evocative example of classical Japanese landscape painting and a fine focal point for quiet rooms.

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