Rōshō Hakkeizu - Itō Jakuchū

A hanging scroll by Itō Jakuchū depicts two white roosters perched on a tree branch against a backdrop of dense, dark green foliage. The contrast between the pure white of the birds and the deep green of the pine needles creates a striking visual effect.

Itō Jakuchū (1716-1800) was a Japanese painter of the mid-Edo period, known for his detailed and unconventional depictions of birds and flowers. Born in Kyoto, he inherited his family's greengrocery business but dedicated himself to art after a period of illness. Jakuchū studied various painting styles, including those of the Chinese Song and Yuan dynasties, and developed his own unique approach, characterised by meticulous detail and bold compositions. He is considered one of the most important Japanese artists of his era. Rōshō Hakkeizu depicts two white roosters perched on a tree branch against a backdrop of dense, dark green foliage. The roosters are rendered with remarkable precision, their plumage detailed with individual strokes that capture the texture and form of their feathers. The contrast between the pure white of the birds and the deep green of the pine needles creates a striking visual effect. A red sun is visible in the upper portion of the image. The composition is carefully balanced, with the roosters positioned to create a sense of harmony and movement. The work exemplifies Jakuchū's skill in combining realism with decorative elements, resulting in a visually arresting and technically accomplished painting.