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Bamboo in snow

Artist Ōbaku Raihō Japanese, 1730 - 1817
Place of OriginJapan
DateApprox. 1780–1817
PeriodEdo period (1615–1868)
CultureJapanese
MaterialsInk on silk
DimensionsH. 46 3/4 in x W. 16 1/8 in, H. 119 cm x W. 41 cm (image)
Credit LineGift of Betty and Bruce Alberts
Object number2012.9
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
Text Entries

Heavy, wet snow weighs down the leaves of this bamboo. The bare, white silk left unpainted represents the snow. Raiho’s skillful painting provides the snow with mass, while quick, black ink strokes define the stalks and leaves that resist the crushing accumulation. Bamboo is a hearty plant that can be flattened by heavy snow, only to rebound as soon as the snow melts.