Yokihi (Yang Gueifei)

Artist Takemiya Koun (Japanese, active early 1800s)

Date1820–1830

Mediumink, color and gold on silk

Dimensionsimage: 128.5 x 55.5 cm (50 9/16 x 21 7/8 in.)
mount: 221.7 x 77 cm (87 5/16 x 30 5/16 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number1996.30

DescriptionTakemiya Koun (active Bunson period 1818-1830), Osaka artist, pupil of Ueda Kocho
Label TextThis painting of the famous eighth century beauty Yang Guifei (Japanese: Yokihi) is based on a now lost painting by the eighteenth century painter Maruyama Okyo (1733-95). Several versions of this subject exist by other Maruyama-Shijo school artists. The painting combines ink painting with naturalism. The texture of Yokihi’s hair, the accurate depiction of her hair ornaments as well as the carefully observed leaves and flowers, derives from Okyo’s style. Shijo school painters worked in two distinctive ways. One was based on the more intellectual and abstract Nanga style of such artists as Yosa Buson (1716-83), the other on the naturalism of Okyo. This school had a profound influence on nineteenth and early twentieth century Japanese painting. Koun was an Osaka Shijo school artist and the pupil of Ueda Kocho (act. early to mid 19th century). Both men looked to the Kyoto masters of the school for their inspiration. ProvenanceAndreas Leisinger, Japan

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