Aoki Shukuya
Mid-Edo Period (18th century)
Tangible Cultural Property, designated by Yamagata Prefecture
Donated by the Homma family
Aoki Shukuya (? – 1802) was a painter of the southern Chinese style who lived during the middle of the Edo period. He took the name of Yō Shukuya, claiming to be a descendant of prince Buyeo Pung (Yō Houshō in Japanese reading) of the Mahan confederacy (later known as the ancient Korean kingdom Baekje). In his teenage years, Shukuya came under the tutelage of Ike no Taiga. He faithfully reproduced Taiga’s paintings, all while developing his own style. He differentiated his work from the placid imagery of his master via a greater focus on detail. Following Taiga’s passing, Shukuya erected the Taigadō gallery in Higashiyama, Kyoto, helping to maintain Taiga’s legacy. In his later years, he became the head of the Taigadō gallery, establishing himself with the name of Taigadō II.
This painting, titled “Kōteitaiyū”, portrays eagerly waiting at an arbor for a friend to visit, perhaps by boat. In its wide, oblong space, we can see two boats floating down a river that meanders through center frame. Shukuya created this painting with all due fealty to the style employed by his master, Taiga, and it features the serene style of penmanship Taiga was known for. Shukuya’s work from this period truly reflects influence from Taiga. Indeed, this painting is known as one of Shukuya’s great early works thanks to that influence. Also of note is the daintiness of the calligraphy found in both the subject matter and in Shukuya’s signature and seal.