Ishii Rinkyo became a disciple of the painter Hashimoto Gaho in his teens. Rinkyo deeply admired Gaho, who sought to innovate Nihonga (modern Japanese-style painting) by combining Western forms of expression with traditional Kano school techniques. Gaho died when Rinkyo was still 23 years of age, and it was around that same time that he was discovered by arts patron and owner of the Arai Ryokan inn at Izu, Aihara Mokuho. Mokuho was supporting a number of young painters at the time, including Yasuda Yukihiko and Imamura Shiko, and Rinkyo began working with them. It is believed that this painting dates from this period. The Tang dynasty ascetics Hanshan and Shide, who were known for their eccentricities, were a popular subject in early modern Zen painting. Depictions of the pair laughing somewhat spookily are well known, but in this painting they appear thoughtful—despite the eerie atmosphere. The artist’s ingenuity can be seen in the detailed and quite human facial expressions, which make the most of light and shade. (UCHIYAMA Junko)
Ishii Rinkyo became a disciple of the painter Hashimoto Gaho in his teens. Rinkyo deeply admired Gaho, who sought to innovate Nihonga (modern Japanese-style painting) by combining Western forms of expression with traditional Kano school techniques. Gaho died when Rinkyo was still 23 years of age, and it was around that same time that he was discovered by arts patron and owner of the Arai Ryokan inn at Izu, Aihara Mokuho. Mokuho was supporting a number of young painters at the time, including Yasuda Yukihiko and Imamura Shiko, and Rinkyo began working with them. It is believed that this painting dates from this period. The Tang dynasty ascetics Hanshan and Shide, who were known for their eccentricities, were a popular subject in early modern Zen painting. Depictions of the pair laughing somewhat spookily are well known, but in this painting they appear thoughtful—despite the eerie atmosphere. The artist’s ingenuity can be seen in the detailed and quite human facial expressions, which make the most of light and shade.
(UCHIYAMA Junko)