By Maruyama Ōkyo
Donated by Homma Yusuke
Designated Cultural Property of Yamagata Prefecture
Measuring 160cm tall, this large portrait on paper depicts a Chinese man of noble character. He is slightly bent over as though about to bow, and his hands are clasped in front of his left breast. The plump, rounded face and robe are captured in clear, expressive lines; his robe is lightly painted in tsuke-tate, a technique for expressing lights, darks and volume without outlines, using a special brush with long, thick and flexible bristles.
The sheer size of the image suggests that it is of a venerative nature, meant to be prominently displayed. As there are many visible sketch lines, it is likely not a finished work but a preparatory drawing of some kind.
It was painted in 1783 when Ōkyo was 51 years old, and is similar in both face and figure to another work (in the collection of Tokyo University of the Arts) dated to the same year.