Lady Ise at a Waterfall

Edo period, Japan

Gallery label:
Hoitsu revitalized Rinpa, a painting school that utilized bold compositions, bright color patterns, and highly stylized and decorative motifs. The figure has shaved eyebrows replaced by painted ones high on her forehead, long, flowing hair, a full-cheeked face, and simplified facial features done in a method traditionally called “slashed eyes and hook nose.” These are all traceable to a figure style that first appeared in 12th-century paintings at the imperial court. The intricate designs of her robes contrast sharply with the abstracted simplicity of her face and the handling of the rock, waves, and waterfall. [source]