Wagtail and Waves c. early 19th century

This fan painting, Wagtail and Waves, was created by Nakamura Hōchū, in Japan, using ink and color on paper. The fan shape is interesting. It speaks to its intended use, and the purpose of such an object was for personal adornment, or to communicate a subtle message. The watercolor is applied with broad strokes, with restraint of color, in order to capture the wagtail and waves. The artist lets the qualities of the materials speak for themselves. What is interesting is the economy with which the painting is done. There is a sense of the quick, repeated gesture, which is the key to calligraphy and also to brush painting. The artist had to train their hand in order to achieve mastery in this medium. It speaks to a wider history of creative practices and aesthetics, alongside that of craft and fine arts. The work seems quickly made, but belies an immense amount of prior labor, practice, and training. The image on the fan is a reminder of the natural world, but also of the labor required to produce it.