Leopard Drinking from Stream c. late 18th century

Nagasawa Rosetsu painted this hanging scroll of ink and color on paper, titled "Leopard Drinking from Stream," during the Edo period in Japan. Consider the leopard, an exotic creature in Japan at this time. Its striking appearance and perceived ferocity made it a popular subject, often associated with strength. Rosetsu’s choice reflects a broader artistic trend, where artists sought to engage with the wider world beyond Japan's borders. The leopard's depiction here, drinking peacefully, might symbolize a harmony between nature and power. The Edo period witnessed a complex social hierarchy, with the Shogun at the top and merchants at the bottom, and it’s important to recognize that artistic patronage during the Edo period often came from the wealthy merchant class. The institutions and conventions of the art world were evolving, influenced by economic shifts and class mobility. Historical research into the Edo period's artistic trends, social structures, and trade relations can give a fuller appreciation of Rosetsu's work. The meaning of art depends so much on its cultural and institutional context.