Snipes [left from the triptych Three Evening Scenes] c. 19th century

Suzuki Kiitsu made this painting, Snipes, part of the triptych Three Evening Scenes, using ink and color on silk. The silk support gives the work its characteristic sheen and texture, while the ink, applied with a brush, allows for a subtle range of tonal variation. Notice how the artist used washes of ink to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, especially in the background. Kiitsu’s deft handling of the brush is evident in the delicate lines of the reeds and the dynamic posture of the snipe in flight. The painting embodies a sophisticated aesthetic sensibility rooted in traditional techniques and materials. Kiitsu was trained in the Rinpa style, known for its decorative and naturalistic subjects. This lineage speaks to the value placed on skilled craftsmanship and artistic tradition in Japanese culture. Ultimately, the painting invites us to consider the relationship between the artist's hand, the inherent qualities of the materials, and the cultural context in which it was created.