ink | maot

Sumi-e by Bokuteki Xuan. Circa 35×70 cm //

signatures

水墨画 Suiboku-ga /// Sumi-e
…a style of monochromatic Japanese painting, originating from China in the 6th-8th centuries. These techniques came to Japan around the 8th-9th centuries as a result of increased contacts and trade cooperation between the two powers.

Black ink was used for painting, ground from specially obtained soot, rice (or reed) paper, and various brushes made of plants, hair, and bristles. Over the centuries, the Sumi-e technique has evolved from ascetic calligraphy to rich landscape painting. Initially, the works focused on the correct exposure and composition of written characters made with a brush, but over time the technique began to develop. Artists abandoned classical austerity in favor of the expression of lines, brush marks, skillful dosing of water, control of tool pressure, and expanding the definition of gesture.

These works are an abstract variation of these techniques. The special ultra-thin „rice” paper (with aperture and raw) comes from Anhui province (PRC), available in two colors – white and tea (traditional). The traditional ribbon format (34 x 70 cm) prevails. Painted with Japanese Kuretake ink (classic black or „blue”), and usually with bamboo brushes of various volumes and lengths of bristles.

The works are signed with the author’s (workshop?) red stamps, and are not dated.

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