Tawaraya Sōtatsu / National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1905.229-230
These images are based on the high resolution facsimile produced by the Tsuzuri Project. Unauthorized copying, duplication, or transfer of these images is strictly prohibited.
Dragon and Clouds
High-resolution facsimiles
- Material
- printed on washi paper
- Period of creation
- Tsuzuri Project Stage 4 2010–2011
- Recipient
- The University Art Museum of the Tokyo University of the Arts
Original
- Artist
- Tawaraya Sotatsu
- Historical era
- Edo (17th century)
- Material
- ink on washi paper
- Medium
- Pair of six-fold screens
- Size
- Each screen H171.5 × W374.3 cm
- Collection
- Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
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.
