Japanese Aesthetics

Setting sun (Gomoto, Echigo), by Kawase Hasui, 1921

Yuzen-painted kurotomesode. 1960-1990, Japan.  A silk kurotomesode featuring a nature scene of a stream winding through verdant wetlands. This scenery was created with the resist painting technique called “yuzen” – in this case the artwork is refined, including much bokashi (shading of hues). The Kimono Gallery

Woven summer kimono. Early Showa period (1926-1940), Japan.  A woven hitoe (unlined) summer rayon kimono featuring wave and “jigami” (fan) motifs. Silver and gold metallic painted line highlights. The four fans on the upper back express different hues than all the others. This garment has a dry and raspy texture49” from sleeve-end to sleeve-end x 58” height. The raging wave motifs signify power and resilience, while the fans in this context symbolize the journey of life. The Kimono Gallery

Shiro Kasamatsu January 11, 1898 - June 14, 1991

Shiro Kasamatsu January 11, 1898 - June 14, 1991

Kishi Chikudo 竹堂 岸 (1826 - 1897), Cat on a tree branch, under the silver Moon, 1880

It is said that most of Katsushika Hokusai’s later works were co-written with his daughter, Katsushika Oui. This “Karajishi-zu” is considered to be an official collaboration. The lion in the center was drawn by Hokusai, and the colorful flowers around it were drawn by Oui.