Mountain View and Blue Water

early 1800s

Tanomura Chikuden 田能村竹田

(Japanese, 1777–1835)

Culture

Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

Medium

hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on paper

Measurements

Painting: 174.9 x 46.8 cm (68 7/8 x 18 7/16 in.); Mounted: 217.5 x 61.5 cm (85 5/8 x 24 3/16 in.)

Credit Line

The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Mrs. Kelvin Smith 1985.250

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The mountain shapes are built up with multiple small wet strokes.

Description

Tanomura Chikuden was an eminent painter whose adopted son, Tanomura Chokunyū (1814–1907), was Seifū Yohei III’s painting teacher. This work was displayed at a gathering commemorating the 10th anniversary of Chokunyū’s death, something we know only because its custom-made box and archival documents have been carefully kept together. The box inscription also confirms that Chikuden was emulating the style of the Mi family of painters, active during China’s Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279). The painting’s Chinese-style silk wrapper is inscribed and sealed on its interior by members of Chokunyū’s community.