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Waves and the Rising Sun
Waves and the Rising Sun

Waves and the Rising Sun

Artist (Japanese, 1754–1799)
MediumHanging scroll: ink and colors on paper
Dimensions42 1/2 × 11 3/8 inches (107.9 × 28.9 cm)
CultureJapan
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Baekeland
Terms
  • Paintings
  • Hanging scroll: ink and colors
  • Paper
  • Japanese
Object number77.086.002
Label CopyExecuted in a free, abbreviated manner, Rosetsu's painting depicts the sun rising over a pair of breaking waves. An inscription by the artist's friend Minagawa Kien translates as "The sun above mulberry branches at the summit." The meaning is enigmatic, but might be a reference to a Japanese saying that "mulberry trees grow where the sun rises." Since no mulberry trees are depicted here, the connection between painting and phrase might have been a satirical inside-joke between friends.
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