Serene Works of Japanese and Eastern Art
The clean lines of Japanese woodblock prints, the misty mountains of Chinese landscape painting, the fine craft of Mughal and Safavid miniatures. From Hokusai and Hiroshige to Kawase Hasui and the masters of the Song dynasty, these works treat emptiness and silence as part of the picture, and they rest the mind.
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1 Painting
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
The refreshing awe we feel before the immense power of nature.
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2 Painting
South Wind, Clear Sky (Red Fuji)
Fuji turned red by the morning sun under a calm sky, quietly lending strength to whoever looks.
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3 Painting
Sudden Shower over Ōhashi Bridge
People hurrying through the fine lines of summer rain, a moment when even haste becomes poetic.
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4 Painting
Plum Garden at Kameido
A flowering plum branch stretching toward the viewer, an elegant announcement that spring returns every year.
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5 Painting
Suidō Bridge and Surugadai
Carp streamers rippling in the wind carry hope for children up into the sky in this cheerful festival scene.
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6 Painting
Irises at Horikiri
Purple irises spilling into the foreground evoke the calm of walking slowly through a garden and breathing.
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7 Painting
Fireworks at Ryōgoku
A single firework blooming over the river on a summer night, a small window onto the shared delight of the crowd.
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8 Painting
Cranes on a Snow-Covered Pine
Cranes resting on a snow-laden pine branch whisper of loyalty and long life even in winter's silence.
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9 Painting
Mount Fuji with Cherry Trees in Bloom
Fuji rising behind cherry blossoms, telling of beauty's fleeting nature with a gentle acceptance.
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10 Painting
Togetsu Bridge at Arashiyama
A bridge stretching along the foot of the mountains, a picture of a peaceful journey and living in harmony with nature.
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11 Painting
Snow at Zōjō-ji Temple
A red temple gate under snow, with the soft, deep peace of winter's hush.
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12 Painting
Hazy Moon at Matsue
A coastal town asleep in misty moonlight, taking away the day's weariness and quietly resting the soul.
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13 Painting
Benten Pond at Shiba
Time dissolving in the still waters of a temple pond, like the calm breath of a quiet afternoon.
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14 Painting
Cherry Trees at Kumoi
Old cherry trees spreading their branches to the sky, carrying the bountiful, generous joy of spring.
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15 Painting
Goldfish Scooping in Tokyo
The small bustle around a goldfish stall, pure happiness hidden in the little things of everyday life.
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16 Painting
Cooling Off in the Garden
Elegant figures cooling off in a garden on a summer evening, giving a taste of an unhurried, pleasant night.
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17 Painting
Along the River During the Qingming Festival
Markets, bridges and hundreds of people along the riverbank; a lively, endearing celebration of ordinary life.
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18 Painting
Early Spring
Mountains emerging from the mist and trees waking up, telling of life stirring again after winter.
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19 Painting
A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains
Mountains stretching out in exuberant blues and greens, seen through the admiring eyes of an eighteen-year-old painter.
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20 Painting
Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains
Hills unrolling slowly along the river, a scroll that calms the mind like an unhurried walk.
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21 Painting
Return to Stone Lake
A return to a simple house by the lake, a peaceful picture of a quiet life and of retreating into one's own corner.
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22 Painting
Girls Playing Holi
Girls throwing color at one another to drums and song, the laughter-filled joy of the spring festival.
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23 Painting
A Pair of Ruddy Shelducks
Two ducks side by side among the flowers, a tiny, graceful symbol of loyalty and togetherness.
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24 Painting
Beauty Holding a Flower
A young woman gazing dreamily at the flower in her hand, reflecting the grace and calm within a simple moment.
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25 Painting
Prince in a Goat-Drawn Cart
A prince riding in a little cart pulled by goats, with a childlike playfulness and joy rare in court miniatures.
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26 Painting
Palace Courtyard
A finely wrought palace courtyard that brings to life the Persian miniature's dream of a garden full of order, grace and peace.