Artwork
Su Shi's "Ode to His Second Visit to the Red Cliff"
Su Shi's "Ode to His Second Visit to the Red Cliff" is an unspecified painting by Kanō Hōgai. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1892 by Kanō Hōgai, this hand‑scroll painting titled “Ode to His Second Visit to the Red Cliff” presents a narrow, vertical view of a snow‑capped mountain landscape. The work is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a lofty, snow‑laden peak traversed by a winding path that snakes through modest structures and scattered trees. The quiet, atmospheric setting evokes a contemplative mood, echoing the reflective tone of the Chinese poem inscribed at the scroll’s upper edge.
Technique & Style
Hōgai employs delicate ink washes to suggest depth in the snow and foliage, while muted browns, whites, and blues dominate the palette. A dark border framed with gold and green motifs encloses the scene, linking traditional Japanese brushwork with emerging modern sensibilities.
History & Provenance
The piece was completed during the late Meiji period, a time of artistic transition in Japan. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings in the early 20th century, where it remains on display as an example of cross‑cultural literary and visual exchange.
Context
Kanō Hōgai, a member of the historic Kanō school, navigated the shift from classical Japanese painting toward newer, Western‑influenced approaches. This work illustrates his ability to integrate the school’s disciplined brush technique with the softer, atmospheric effects favored by contemporary artists.
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