Hotei 1615 - 1799

Kano Tan'yū created this hanging scroll, Hotei, using ink and color on paper. The work captures your attention through its composition, the figure centered against a muted background, a subtle contrast to the gray washes, delineating Hotei’s form. Tan'yū masterfully uses ink to create depth and volume, especially around the figure's robes and facial expressions. The round, gentle form of Hotei is accentuated by the stark lines of the staff, creating a visual rhythm that is both calming and engaging. Looking closely, you'll notice how Tan'yū employs a minimalist approach, reducing details to their essence. It's this economy of means, this reduction to pure form, that elevates the work. The background is not just space, but an active element that emphasizes the figure's presence, blurring the line between figure and ground. This interplay encourages a meditative viewing, inviting contemplation on simplicity and form.