The pinnacle of Japanese sumi-e painting, from great masters such as Sesshu and Tohaku to fantastical painters such as Shouhaku and Jakuchu.

Sumi-e ink painting is a uniquely Eastern form of painting that originated and developed in China in the 9th century. This book introduces the history of sumi-e painting over a period of approximately 500 years, beginning with the Kamakura and Namboku-cho periods when the form was first being adopted in Japan, and then the Muromachi period when Sesshu and Shubun were active, and finally the Momoyama and Edo periods when Japanese influences led to the creation of unique works.

This book introduces five centuries of ink wash painting through these works, exploring the distinctive qualities of Japanese ink wash painting and considering the role it has played in the history of art in Japan and its significance in the history of Japanese culture.
From the Introduction

Featured Sumi-e Artist/Keyword List
Sesshu Toyo / Sesson Shukei / Hasegawa Tohaku / Kaiho Yusho / Kano Motonobu / Kano Eitoku / Unkoku Togan / Hon’ami Koetsu / Miyamoto Musashi / Kano Sansetsu / Kano Tan’yu / Kusumi Morikage / Tawaraya Sotatsu / Ogata Korin / Hakuin Ekaku / Sengai Gibon / Fugai Ekun / Otsu-e / Soga Shohaku / Ito Jakuchu / Maruyama Okyo / Ike no Taiga / Yosa Buson / Katsu Jagyoku / Gessen / Uragami Gyokudo / Mori Sosen / Mori Tetsuzan / Goshun (Matsumura Gekkei) / Nagasawa Rosetsu / Sakai Hoitsu / Tani Buncho / Tanomura Chikuden / Yamoto Baiitsu / Sugai Baikan / Watanabe Kazan / Kawanabe Kyosai / Tomioka Tessai / Yokoyama Taikan

Colums

Water and Ink: Infinite Gradations
The Zen Koan and the World of Zen Painting
Ink Wash Paintings by a Warrior
Ink Wash Paintings by Zen Priests
Soga Shohaku’s Ink Wash Paintings
Ink Wash Painting Techniques