DATA

Artist:

Soga Shohaku

Historical era:

Edo (18th century)

Material:

printed, gold paint on washi paper

Medium:

Pair of six-fold screens

Theme:

High Resolution Facsimile of Historical Cultural Assets

Size:

Each screen H151.4 × W366.0 cm

Recipient:

Oumi Jingu ShrineMAP

[Original]

Current owner:

Oumi Jingu Shrine

Material:

ink, color, and gold paint on washi paper

DESCRIPTION

Landscapes in Moonlight is considered a creation from Shohaku's later years. Shohaku was considered heretic, but this work, which is now designated as an Important Cultural Property, represents a daunting task given its massive size that could only be painted by Shohaku, in neither too much nor too little detail. The horizontal gold streaks used to express haze are thought to be influenced by Iwasa Matabei and lends color to the otherwise Chinese style of scenery painting. And, the unswerving depiction of people and animals that dot the painting provides amusement for the viewer.