Artwork
Pan Lang (Han Rō)
Pan Lang (Han Rō) is an unspecified painting by Shikibu Terutada. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Pan Lang (Han Rō) is a mid‑sixteenth‑century Japanese painting attributed to the artist Shikibu Terutada. Executed around 1550, the work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of early Edo period brushwork.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a solitary rider astride a horse moving along a narrow path flanked by tall grasses and bamboo. The figure’s loose robes and relaxed grip on the reins suggest a leisurely journey through a natural landscape, while the distant rocky hillside provides a sense of depth and tranquility.
Technique & Style
Rendered with fine, sharply defined lines, the horse’s musculature is emphasized through controlled brushstrokes that contrast with the softer, faded tones of the surrounding foliage. A subtle red seal placed on the hill serves as the artist’s signature, a customary mark that also aids in confirming the painting’s authenticity.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1550, the painting entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century. Its presence in the museum’s collection reflects the institution’s broader effort to represent Japanese painting traditions from the medieval to early modern periods.
Artist & collection
