Spring and Autumn Farming (Autumn) - Kō Sūkoku

A detailed Edo-period screen painting by Kō Sūkoku, depicting the seasonal activities of rural farmers against a luminous gold-leaf background.

This work by Kō Sūkoku depicts the seasonal activities of rural life during the Edo period. As a member of the Nanga school, Sūkoku adopted techniques from Chinese literati painting, yet this specific composition leans into the traditional Japanese genre style, focusing on the daily routines of farmers. The scene captures the harvest period, with thatched-roof structures serving as the centre of activity. Figures are shown engaged in various tasks, from transporting goods to preparing for the winter months. The composition is divided across a six-panel screen, a format that allows for a wide, panoramic view of the countryside.

The use of gold leaf across the upper sections creates a sense of atmospheric depth, separating the terrestrial activities from the distant, mist-covered mountains. This technique, known as 'kinkumo' or gold clouds, is a hallmark of Japanese screen painting, providing a luminous backdrop that contrasts with the muted, earthy tones of the village below. The brushwork is precise, reflecting the artist's training and his ability to render architectural details alongside the organic forms of trees and hills.

Sūkoku, who was active in the late 18th century, often explored themes related to the four seasons, a common subject in Japanese art that connects human activity to the natural cycle. This print captures the specific mood of autumn, suggested by the subtle inclusion of foliage colours and the general atmosphere of preparation. The work functions as both a decorative object and a record of agrarian life, offering a glimpse into the social and economic structures of the time. The balance between the expansive, gilded sky and the busy, detailed village floor creates a harmonious composition that draws the eye across the entire length of the screen.