Dragon and Tiger

Look closely at the dragon. Kanō Tan’yū exhibits full control of the sumi ink by depicting the mythical creature emerging from an atmospheric cloud. Sumi ink is made of soot and a binder such as animal glue and mixed with water to obtain ink of desirable density. Using sumi ink ranging in density from thick to thin, Tan’yū expressed various textures like the dragon’s rough whiskers and the soft surrounding cloud.

Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust