Maruyama Ōkyo
1770-72 (Meiwa 7 – An’ei 1)
Tangible Cultural Property, designated by Yamagata Prefecture
Donated by the Homma family
Maruyama Ōkyo (1733-95) was one of the most famous painters of the Edo period. He sought realism in his paintings, creating a life drawing style both simple and beautiful.
This painting features near life-sized Japanese weasels throughout its main image, while in the blank spaces are drawn five images at various angles. Rather than using outlines, the animals’ bodies are defined using detailed paintings of fur, with the softness of the hair and suppleness of the bodies being captured in the painting, displaying Ōkyo’s preeminent descriptive powers. While no seal nor signature are present, the word “weasel” is written in Ōkyo’s own hand in India ink.