Owl on a Pine Branch

Soga Nichokuan Japanese

Not on view

A solitary owl, alert and eyes wide open, is perched on the bough of an aged pine. Behind it a full moon, rendered in reserve, signals that the setting is evening. The owl, with its head turned slightly, stares directly at the viewer, creating an effect that is at once startling and humorous. Painted entirely in ink, the texture of feathers is effectively conveyed through layered brushwork in various tones.

Owl on a Pine Branch, Soga Nichokuan (Japanese, active mid-17th century), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Owl on a Pine Branch, Soga Nichokuan (Japanese, active mid-17th century), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan
Owl on a Pine Branch, Soga Nichokuan (Japanese, active mid-17th century), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.