Artist: Tomioka Tessai (Japan, 1837-1924)

Date: 19^th century

Material: Ink and color on paper

• Object Type：
  • PAINTINGS
• Location：
  • The Painting and Calligraphy of Shanghai Gallery
• Tag：
  • mountain pine tree hanging scroll tomioka tessai japan 19th century ink and color paper

Temioka Tessai (1837-1924), originally named Yūsuke, later changed his name to Hyakuren. Native to Kyoto, he was also known by his zi (designated name) Muken and his hao (literary name) Tessai. Regarded as the "last master of Bunjiga (Nanga)", he studied Chinese philosophy and literature since his youth and developed a passion for Chinese culture. A worshipper of Su Shi, he had a fascination to all things related to Su Shi. In his later years, he corresponded frequently with Wu Changshuo who was a Shanghai-school painter famous in Japan. Tessai asked Wu to engrave the seals "Tiezhai Waishi (the unofficial writer Tessai)", and "Dongpo Tong Ri Sheng (Born on the same day as Su Shi)". These became his favorite seals for daily use. On this painting, a scholar in the pavilion under the pine trees is leaning on the trail and listening to the sound of the spring. This work was accomplished with expressive brushworks, essentially similar to Shanghai-school expressive paintings.