Artwork
Hotei Crossing a Stream
Hotei Crossing a Stream is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Fūgai Ekun. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1650 by the Japanese painter Fūgai Ekun, Hotei Crossing a Stream is an ink-and-wash work now in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The composition centers on a solitary figure navigating a shallow waterway, rendered with a restrained palette that foregrounds the quiet moment of passage.
Subject & Meaning
The lone traveler, clothed in a long robe and capped with a simple hat, holds a staff in his right hand and a folded cloth in his left. His relaxed facial expression and unhurried stride suggest a contemplative journey, evoking themes of transience and the gentle flow of daily life.
Technique & Style
Ekun employs fluid, unembellished lines to delineate the figure and the surrounding water, while the background is washed in muted, almost monochrome tones. This economy of brushwork and subtle coloration creates a serene atmosphere, emphasizing the harmony between the individual and the natural environment.
History & Provenance
The painting has been part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Asian art holdings since its acquisition, though earlier ownership records are sparse. Its attribution to Fūgai Ekun, an artist active in the mid‑17th century, is based on stylistic analysis and comparative study with contemporaneous works.
Artist & collection
