Otake Chikuha (1878–1936) 
Spring Landscape 
Japan, late 1910s 
Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk 
Gift of Terry Welch, 2021 (2021-03-117)

VIEW HI-RES IMAGE 
 
Like Seaside, also in this exhibition, Chikuha’s primary interest here appears to be the effects of atmospheric conditions on perception. Certain elements of the foreground, including the near hill and the rural buildings nestled on its summit, as well as the blossoming cherry trees on the lower left, are outlined to convey a sense of clarity. The remaining landscape is made entirely from layered washes of ink and color, softening their edges as though they are seen through hazy air. 
 
Chikuha experienced great success in the annual national exhibition in 1909–1911, but this was followed by a long period in which he failed to garner official recognition, and he stopped submitting works after 1918, around the time this painting was made. The technical control and keen observation revealed in Spring Landscape and Seaside reveal that he continued to advance as an artist, but he was unable to navigate the complexities of the Tokyo art world to maintain a successful career.