Mynah Birds Attacking an Owl 1800 - 1868

Sesson Shūkei created "Mynah Birds Attacking an Owl" sometime in the 16th century with ink and color on paper. The artist has made full use of the materials and processes; the grainy paper support creates a visual tonality, and the ink has bled into the paper to create soft textures and nuanced tones. Sumi-e painting, as this technique is known, is deceptively simple. It's an art form based on the mastery of brushstrokes and ink washes, which require immense skill. What I find compelling here is how Shūkei took the essence of Sumi-e painting to create depth. There is more going on than a realistic depiction of birds. This drama is created through the artist's careful balance of tones, from the delicate, pale washes of the owl to the bold, dark presence of the mynah birds. Through the interplay of ink, paper, and brushwork, Shūkei offers a glimpse into a world where the boundaries between observation and symbolism blur. This underscores the importance of materiality, technique, and cultural context in understanding the profound layers within this Japanese artwork.