Bamboo and Rock in Snow

Kuwayama Gyokushū Japanese

Not on view

Bamboo, a symbol of enduring strength, especially in its capacity to thrive under the snow in winter, has long been a favored motif among the literati of East Asia. Kuwayama Gyokushū left areas of the paper unpainted to represent snow, while an uneven gray wash signals a dark, wintry evening. Gyokushū was an affluent shipping merchant and farmer in addition to an artist and commentator on literati painting.

Bamboo and Rock in Snow, Kuwayama Gyokushū (Japanese, 1746–1799), Hanging scroll; ink on silk, Japan

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Bamboo and Rock in Snow, Kuwayama Gyokushū (Japanese, 1746–1799), Hanging scroll; ink on silk, Japan
Bamboo and Rock in Snow, Kuwayama Gyokushū (Japanese, 1746–1799), Hanging scroll; ink on silk, Japan
Bamboo and Rock in Snow, Kuwayama Gyokushū (Japanese, 1746–1799), Hanging scroll; ink on silk, Japan
Bamboo and Rock in Snow, Kuwayama Gyokushū (Japanese, 1746–1799), Hanging scroll; ink on silk, Japan

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