Scenes from the Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers

17th century

Not on view

This pair of screens, invoking the Chinese landscape around the Xiao and Xiang Rivers and the traditional couplets associated with its representation, was painted by the second son of Unkoku Tōgan (1547–1618), heir to the artistic legacy and patrons of Sesshû Tōyō (1420–?1506) in western Japan. Regional schools like the Unkoku workshop were patronized by powerful local daimyo—in this instance, the Mōri in Suō and Hagi—who brought Kyoto-trained artists to their strongholds in the provinces to underscore their cultural and military authority. The Unkoku style was characterized by a strong, tensile ink line, a composition based on a balance of wash and large unpainted areas, and a shallow spatial representation.

Artwork Details

Title: Scenes from the Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers
Artist: Unkoku Tōeki (Japanese, 1591–1644)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Pair of six-panel screens; ink and gold on paper
Dimensions: Overall (each screen): 67 1/2 x 147 in. (171.5 x 373.4 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1917
Object Number: 17.118.114, .115
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

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Zen Master with Meditation Staff, and Chinese-Style Landscapes, Unkoku Tōeki Japanese, Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on paper, Japan — Zen Master with Meditation Staff, and Chinese-Style Landscapes
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probably late 1620s–1644

Monk Zhaozhou and Dog, with Geese and Mynah, Unkoku Tōeki Japanese, Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on paper, Japan — Monk Zhaozhou and Dog, with Geese and Mynah
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first half 17th century

“Takebun,” from the Musical Drama “The New Piece” (Shinkyoku), Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold and silver leaf on paper, Japan — “Takebun,” from the Musical Drama “The New Piece” (Shinkyoku)
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Goose and Reeds; Willows in the Moonlight, Maruyama Ōkyo 円山応挙 Japanese, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color and gold on paper, Japan — Goose and Reeds; Willows in the Moonlight
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right screen: 1774; left screen: 1793

Willows and Bridge, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, copper, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan — Willows and Bridge
Japan
early 17th century

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