Rough WavesOgata Kōrin · 1704
1704
147.0 x 165.0 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Many artists and poets of the East and West alike have striven to capture the transitory and fleeting image of swelling waves. Kōrin’s rendition—one of Japan’s most striking representations of this amorphous, ungraspable form—has a strangely menacing feel, due no doubt to the long, tentacle-like fingers of foam, punctured here and there by openings. Outlined in ink using the ancient Chinese technique of drawing with two brushes held together in one hand, the clawlike waves are peculiarly reminiscent of dragons’ talons. The immediate inspiration for the screen may have been images by Sesson Shūkei (ca. 1504–ca. 1589), whose extant works include a number of dynamic and mysterious renderings of waves.The screen bears a seal reading “Dōsū,” the name Kōrin adopted in 1704. Recent research suggests that the screen was executed between 1704 and 1709, when Kōrin was residing in Edo (now Tokyo).
Ogata Kōrin (1658 – 1716)
Explore the world of Ogata Kōrin (1658-1716), a master of the Rinpa school! Discover his iconic screens like 'Irises' & vibrant depictions of nature, plum blossoms, and more. A key figure in Japanese art history.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (new york, United States of America)
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About this artwork
- Title: Rough Waves
- Artist: Ogata Kōrin
- Year: 1704
- Original dimensions: 147.0 x 165.0 cm
- Format: Landscape
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Inventory number: 26.117
- Perceived brightness: balanced
Questions & Answers
How light is "Rough Waves" overall?
The perceived brightness of "Rough Waves" by Ogata Kōrin is balanced. It can be matched to the light of the intended space.
What was Ogata Kōrin's age when "Rough Waves" was created?
When "Rough Waves" was created in 1704, Ogata Kōrin - born in 1658 - was 46 years old.
What are the format and size of "Rough Waves"?
"Rough Waves" by Ogata Kōrin is a landscape composition measuring 147 x 165 cm in the original.