Written in the hand of Yamada Dōan
Late Warring States – Momoyama period (16th century)
Tangible Cultural Property, designated by Sakata city
Donated by the Homma family
Yamada Dōan was a renowned samurai painter, and a relation of Tsutsui Junkei, a warlord from Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture). He is recognised for his efforts in helping to restore the Great Buddha Hall of Tōdaiji Temple which was destroyed by fire (for the second time in its history) in 1567. “Dōan” was the artist name used by three generations of artists, all of whom produced excellent ink wash paintings.
This particular painting is attributed to Yamada Dōan II (Junsei). It depicts a lone dove perching on the branch of a withered tree, puffing out its feathers in the cold, full of feelings of peace and quiet in both our earthly plane and in the heavens.