Artwork Page for Cucumber and Eggplants

Details / Information for Cucumber and Eggplants

Cucumber and Eggplants

1500s

Yamada Dōan 山田道安（順清）

(Japanese, d. 1571)
Culture
Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573)
Medium
hanging scroll; ink on paper
Measurements
Painting: 28 x 44 cm (11 x 17 5/16 in.); Mounted: 114.9 x 63.5 cm (45 1/4 x 25 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1982.11
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Still lifes appear frequently in Western painting. This is not the case in East Asian painting traditions. Nevertheless, Zen monastic communities in medieval Japan did like the subject because its outward, "simple" appearance camouflaged the skills required to portray the subject convincingly.
A hanging scroll depicts a horizontal composition of vegetables in ink wash on tan paper. On the far left, a red seal is impressed. Next, a small eggplant hangs from a jagged stem. In the center, a larger eggplant sits behind a long, spotted cucumber with a hooked stem. Toward the right, broad leaves and thin, spiraling vines extend. Deep black strokes highlight the stems, while light gray washes provide volume to the produce.

Cucumber and Eggplants

1500s

Yamada Dōan

(Japanese, d. 1571)
Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

    Update or Correct Artwork Information

    Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

    Report a Website Issue

    Further Questions About This Artwork