Mandarin Ducks in Snowy Landscape

In this intimate winter scene, the branches of a snow-laden nandina plant, whose bright red berries are visible amidst the leaves, provide a canopy for a pair of mandarin ducks swimming together. Because mandarin ducks were thought to mate for life, they were symbols of conjugal fidelity, and this painting can be assumed to celebrate such a theme or express wishes for marital bliss for newlyweds. Its appeal, however, lies in the way it presents an auspicious subject in such a manner as to allow the viewer to experience the lyricism of a pure wintry setting, masterfully suggesting the frostiness of the air and chilliness of the water.

Keibun was the younger brother of Matsumura Gekkei, otherwise known as Goshun, the founder of the Shijō school of painting. Keibun’s work combines realistic representation based upon shasei (drawing from nature), for which Goshun was known, with a poetic quality most evident in his depictions of natural scenery and the passing of seasons.