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Monkeys on a Rock Ledge

Mori Sosen

1810

unspecified

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Nihonga Romanticism Early 19th Century Genre Scene

Dominant colour

Monkeys on a Rock Ledge is a 1810 unspecified by Mori Sosen, a Nihonga work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Mori Sosen
When & what style?: 1810 · Nihonga
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting shows three monkeys perched on a rocky ledge. The background is mostly blank gold, with a few branches and leaves scattered around. The monkeys look fuzzy, and one is reaching out toward a pine cone on the ground. The artist focused on simple shapes and soft colors—mostly browns and greens—to keep things calm. The monkeys’ fur is painted in loose, shadowy strokes, giving them a gentle, almost dreamy look. If you like this style, check out Mori Sosen.