Artwork

Painting Thirteen from Album of Paintings by Haizan

Painting Thirteen from Album of Paintings by Haizan, by Yoshitsugu Haizan, unspecified, 1890
Painting Thirteen from Album of Paintings by Haizan, by Yoshitsugu Haizan, unspecified, 1890

Painting Thirteen from Album of Paintings by Haizan is an unspecified painting by Yoshitsugu Haizan. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Painting Thirteen, part of the Album of Paintings by Yoshitsugu Haizan, dates to roughly 1890 and is in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a tranquil winter landscape, with leafless trees and modest dwellings set within a low‑lying valley, rendered in a subdued palette that emphasizes the season’s chill.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a barren winter scene where skeletal trees frame a narrow passage—interpreted as either a river or a path—that guides the viewer’s eye toward a cluster of small houses. The modest architecture, rendered with warm tones, suggests shelter and domestic comfort amid the stark, cold environment.

Technique & Style

Haizan employs swift, sketch‑like brushwork to delineate the trees, alternating between darker strokes and lighter washes that dissolve into the pale background. Ink‑washed lines convey a sense of movement, evoking wind rustling through the branches, while the overall looseness of the execution balances the stillness of the winter setting.

History & Provenance

Created around 1890, the painting entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection at an unspecified date, where it remains on view. Its inclusion in the Album of Paintings indicates it was part of a series of works produced by Haizan during the late Meiji period, reflecting his interest in seasonal landscapes.

Context

The work reflects a broader Meiji‑era fascination with depicting Japanese scenery through a blend of traditional ink techniques and emerging Western influences. Haizan’s winter landscape aligns with contemporary interests in capturing atmospheric effects and the quiet beauty of rural settings, offering insight into the period’s artistic dialogue between realism and stylized expression.

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.