Artwork

Painting One from Album of Paintings by Haizan

Painting One from Album of Paintings by Haizan, by Yoshitsugu Haizan, unspecified, 1892
Painting One from Album of Paintings by Haizan, by Yoshitsugu Haizan, unspecified, 1892

Painting One from Album of Paintings by Haizan is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Yoshitsugu Haizan. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Yoshitsugu Haizan’s “Painting One from Album of Paintings,” executed in 1892, is a modestly sized landscape now in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a tranquil riverside vista, rendered with a light, sketch‑like approach that emphasizes atmosphere over precise detail.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a calm stretch of water bordered by modest structures and foliage, with a solitary boat gliding near the bank. A prominent, contorted tree dominates the right side, while distant hills dissolve into muted gray tones, suggesting a contemplative view of nature’s quiet rhythms.

Technique & Style

Haizan employed ink and watercolor on paper, allowing the medium’s fluidity to convey the scene’s softness. Brushstrokes remain loose and gestural, creating an impression of spontaneity. The inclusion of red seals and Japanese calligraphic marks on the left indicates the piece’s original function as a page within a hand‑assembled album.

History & Provenance

Created toward the end of the Meiji period, the painting reflects the era’s interest in integrating traditional Japanese aesthetics with emerging artistic practices. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it remains part of the museum’s Asian art collection.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.