The Boatman

Sumi Practice #18, 1955

Size: 7.5″ x 9.5″
Date: 1955
Media: Sumi on rice paper
Where: Yokohama, Japan
Signature: unsigned
Currently: Family collection

Another traditional composition appropriate for a sumi painting. I love the use of the untouched paper surface to render the water and mists surrounding the mountains. I’m not expert on this material so I can’t speak to it’s originality, but the subtle drawing of the bottom edge of the boat really adds to the illusion of it being in the water. I think the dynamic posture of the boatman leaning into his oar, gives the picture a sense of story telling and motion.



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