Sō Shiseki Picture Album - Sō Shiseki

A woodblock print from the 1765 Sō Shiseki gafu, featuring a detailed study of a cockerel and a gnarled tree in the traditional Japanese kachō-ga style.

This woodblock print originates from the Sō Shiseki gafu, a collection of works by the Japanese artist Sō Shiseki. Published in 1765, this album demonstrates the artist's engagement with the Nanga school, which drew inspiration from Chinese literati painting. Sō Shiseki was a significant figure in the introduction of Shen Nanpin's realistic style to Japan, a method that prioritised precise observation of natural subjects.

The composition is divided into two distinct panels, typical of the format found in traditional Japanese illustrated books. On the left, a gnarled tree trunk dominates the frame, its textured bark rendered with expressive, dry brush strokes. The foliage is depicted with a focus on individual leaf structure, creating a sense of organic growth. On the right, a cockerel stands upon a rocky outcrop. The bird is captured with careful attention to the texture of its feathers and its alert posture. The surrounding space remains largely empty, a deliberate choice that allows the viewer to focus on the specific forms of the flora and fauna.

The print reflects the aesthetic values of the mid-Edo period, where the study of nature was often mediated through the lens of classical Chinese painting manuals. The lines are clean and precise, characteristic of the woodblock medium, which requires a high degree of technical control to translate the fluidity of ink wash into a reproducible format. This work provides a clear example of the kachō-ga genre, or bird-and-flower painting, which remained a popular subject for artists throughout the eighteenth century. The monochromatic palette emphasises the structural qualities of the drawing, highlighting the artist's ability to convey volume and texture without the use of colour.