Accession Number1986/2.61.1
TitleMonkeys by a Waterfall
Artist(s)Mori SosenArtist NationalityJapanese (culture or style)Object Creation Date1807-1821Medium & Supportink on paperDimensions 78 1/2 in x 28 1/2 in (199.39 cm x 72.39 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase made possible by a gift from Helmut SternLabel copyIn this pair of hanging scrolls, Mori Sosen depicts three monkeys by a waterfall in the mountains. In the scroll on the right, a small monkey sits next to a larger monkey, absorbed in the task of grooming. The larger monkey appears to look anxiously toward the young monkey climbing a tall tree in the scroll on the left. Through this motherly gaze, Mori Sosen skillfully unifies a representation of motion and of quiet watchfulness.
One of the most prominent painters of the Shijō school, which was known for a painting style that emphasized the careful study of nature, Mori Sosen was often called a “monkey painter” because of his frequent portrayals of the subject. His detailed, realistic depictions suggest he had a profound knowledge of the animal’s anatomy, likely acquired through observation. Sosen’s works were highly coveted in his native city of Osaka. This pair of scrolls was painted after he turned sixty and changed the first character of his name from “ancestor” to “monkey” (the two written characters are pronounced the same way).
Fall rotation 2016.
Subject matterOne of the most prominent painters of the Shijō school, which was known for a painting style that emphasized the careful study of nature, Mori Sosen was often called a “monkey painter” because of his frequent portrayals of the subject. His detailed, realistic depictions suggest he had a profound knowledge of the animal’s anatomy, likely acquired through observation. Sosen’s works were highly coveted in his native city of Osaka. This pair of scrolls was painted after he turned sixty and changed the first character of his name from “ancestor” to “monkey” (the two written characters are pronounced the same way).
Physical DescriptionTwo monkeys are seen at the base of a waterfall. They are painted in soft shades of gray and sit among plants. The monkey on the right fidgets with its hands, while the other looks over its shoulder at the waterfall. This is a pair with 1986/2.61.2.
Primary Object Classification Painting Primary Object Typehanging scrollCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
ink
monkeys (animals)
waterfalls (natural bodies of water)