Artwork
Landscape of the Four Seasons

Landscape of the Four Seasons is an unspecified painting by Sesson Shūkei. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Landscape of the Four Seasons is a four-panel landscape painting created by Sesson Shūkei in 1560. It is a representative work of the artist, a Japanese Zen monk and painter of the Muromachi period.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene mountain landscape with buildings, trees, and a small boat on water, conveying a sense of stillness and movement. The scene is divided across four panels, evoking the passage of the four seasons.
Technique & Style
Shūkei's style is characterized by muted colors, with shades of brown and gray dominating the palette. Subtle color variations create a sense of depth and atmosphere, demonstrating the artist's skill in capturing the nuances of the natural world.
History & Provenance
Sesson Shūkei was born into the Satake clan before becoming a monk at Shōsō-ji temple. He was a leading follower of Sesshū Tōyō's painting style. The painting is now held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Artist & collection














