Left Screen 

This screen was painted by Kanō Motonobu in 16th-century Japan, using ink and color on paper. The visual effect is achieved with just a few materials, but the craft involved is considerable. Note the way Motonobu has handled the ink, creating a variety of tones and textures. The goal wasn't to create a perfect illusion, but rather to evoke a sense of nature's grandeur. This approach required years of training, and deep familiarity with the properties of ink, paper, and brush. The artist would have learned through rigorous practice, copying the work of masters to internalize their techniques. Screens like this were luxury items, commissioned by wealthy patrons. While Motonobu himself was a celebrated artist, the production of the screen would have involved other skilled artisans, such as the paper maker and the carpenter who built the frame. Appreciating the screen means recognizing the labor and expertise of all involved, and considering the screen's place in a network of materials, skills, and social relations.