DATA

Artist:

Tawaraya Sotatsu

Historical era:

Edo (17th century)

Material:

printed on washi paper

Medium:

Pair of six-fold screens

Theme:

High Resolution Facsimile of Japanese Art Abroad

Size:

Each screen H171.5 × W374.3 cm

Recipient:

The University Art Museum of the Tokyo University of the ArtsMAP

[Original]

Current owner:

The Freer Gallery of Art of the Smithsonian Institution

Material:

ink on washi paper

DESCRIPTION

This rendition of the Dragon and Clouds features the signature "Hokkyo Sotatsu" and a seal bearing "Taichin". It is one of the few works of art recognized as an authentic painting by Sotatsu, and the only large-scale ink and water painting he ever did. The dragons on the left and right screens confront each other with one dragon rising above the clouds and waves, and the other dragon on its descent. The clouds are painted using a technique called "tarashikomi" whereby a second color is poured over the background. This sharpens the contrast of the clouds and creates visual depth. The artist, Sotatsu, operated a painting gallery in Kyoto called Tawaraya and was active in the early Edo era. Much about his life, including his date of birth and death remains unknown. It is believed that Sotatsu began working with sliding doors and screens in his later years, post 1620.