The “Four Seasons Flower and Bird Screen” is a set of six important cultural assets housed in the Kyoto National Museum. Created in the 15th century during the Muromachi period, it commemorates the grandson of the lord of Iwami Province. The authorship is attributed to Sesshu at the age of 64. Another important cultural asset is the “Masuda Kaneko Statue,” depicting Masuda Kaneko, the 15th head of the Masuda family and a patron of Sesshu. Renowned art historian Yuji Yamashita believes that Sesshu’s works, including the “Four Seasons Flower and Bird Screen,” will be designated as national treasures in the future.
[Important Cultural Heritage] “Four Seasons Flower and Bird Folding Screen”
[Important Cultural Heritage] “Masuda Kanesuke Statue”
The Essence of Sesshu’s Paintings
‘Future National Treasures: My National Treasures’ was published in 2019 by Yuji Yamashita. Mr. Yamashita believes that there are many published works that will be designated as national treasures in the near future, but he specifically thinks that “Sesshu” will definitely be designated as a national treasure. These two pieces of art are referred to as “Treasures.” These are the two pieces.
The ‘Four Seasons Flower and Bird Folding Screen’ is introduced as “Sesshu’s masterpiece. Branches intertwine, and mountains and rocks emphasize the ink traces. It illustrates the gestures of ‘Human Sesshu’ very well.” Upon looking at this piece from above, it became clear that the ‘Masuda Kanesuke Statue’ is also a future national treasure. Other portraits from his time were not as authentic as this. It is rare for a painter to demonstrate such skill in such a wide range of subjects, not just landscape painting. I once again felt the greatness of Sesshu.
● Yuji Yamashita (Meiji Gakuin University Professor, Art Historian, 65)
“Summer Stream Landscape”
[Soubun] “Imitation of Li Tang’s Oxhide (Shepherd Boy)” and “Imitation of Li Tang’s Oxhide (Crossing the River)”
[Important Cultural Property] “Imitation of Liang Jinxin and Huang Zhongping”
[Important Cultural Heritage] “Imitation of Gyokuzan Landscape”
Sesshu’s Diverse Painting Techniques
By looking at Sesshu’s works designated as national treasures or important cultural properties, such as landscapes, flowers and birds, figures, realistic scenes, and even abstract expressions, one can appreciate Sesshu’s artistic talent in various aspects. The series introduced here, often referred to as “Hokozu,” is a perfect example of this variety, providing a glimpse into Sesshu’s artistic prowess. In Japan at that time, the most outstanding paintings were ink paintings by Chinese painters of the Song Dynasty. Therefore, Sesshu made sample books of such paintings to show to clients and said, “I will paint anything you ask, be it a ghost or a Li Tang painting.” This is also evidence of becoming a popular painter. To meet the needs of customers, one must be able to paint in various styles.
*All of the works featured in this article without the author’s name are works by “Sesshu.” Except for the designated works, all pieces will be housed in the Kyoto National Museum’s upcoming special exhibition “The Legend of Céros.”
*This article is reprinted from the May 2024 issue of ‘Sarai.’