Hawks with Pine Trees and Camellias; Small Birds with Willows and Camellias 1600 - 1633

Mitani Tōshuku painted these screens of Hawks with Pine Trees and Camellias in Japan sometime in the early 17th century, using ink and color on paper. This isn’t just any paper; it's "washi," a type of handmade paper unique to Japan, known for its strength and flexibility. The screens would have been made using a brush, with the artist needing complete mastery over the flow of ink to capture the essence of the birds and plants. But there's a fascinating social dimension to this work. Large folding screens like these weren't just decorative; they were symbols of status. The very act of commissioning such a piece speaks to wealth and power. The labor involved, from preparing the materials to the artist's skilled execution, represents a significant investment. The screens remind us that art and craft are always intertwined with the social and economic realities of their time. By considering these aspects, we gain a richer appreciation of their meaning and significance.