Who painted 蜀山人(大田南畝)筆筍図|Bamboo Shoots?

蜀山人(大田南畝)筆筍図|Bamboo Shoots was painted by Shokusanjin in 1820.

Where can I see 蜀山人(大田南畝)筆筍図|Bamboo Shoots?

蜀山人(大田南畝)筆筍図|Bamboo Shoots is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 蜀山人(大田南畝)筆筍図|Bamboo Shoots?

蜀山人(大田南畝)筆筍図|Bamboo Shoots is associated with Nihonga.

Artwork

蜀山人(大田南畝)筆筍図|Bamboo Shoots

Shokusanjin , 1820

蜀山人(大田南畝)筆筍図|Bamboo Shoots is an ink painting by the Nihonga artist Shokusanjin. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Executed as an ink-on-silk hanging scroll, it belongs to the still-life genre and portrays members of the Bambusoideae subfamily.

The painting titled Bamboo Shoots was created by Shokusanjin, also known as Ōta Nanpo, in 1820. Executed as an ink-on-silk hanging scroll, it belongs to the still-life genre and portrays members of the Bambusoideae subfamily. The work measures 96.8 cm in height by 33.8 cm in width and was produced in Japan.

It entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on display. The depiction emphasizes the slender shoots and delicate foliage characteristic of bamboo, presenting a naturalistic rendering typical of early nineteenth-century Japanese literati painting.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1820 by the Japanese artist Shokusanjin (Ōta Nanpo), this work is a hanging scroll featuring ink applied directly onto a silk support. The painting measures 96.8 cm in height and 33.8 cm in width. Stylistically, the piece functions as a still life, focusing exclusively on the depiction of bamboo shoots (Bambusoideae).

The composition utilizes a monochromatic palette, relying solely on the tonal variations of black ink to define the form and texture of the subject against the woven silk ground. As a vertical scroll, the format is designed for wall display, characteristic of East Asian hanging scroll traditions. The handling of the ink on the smooth silk surface allows for the fluid lines and subtle gradations typical of literati-style brushwork from this period.

History & Provenance

The hanging scroll titled Bamboo Shoots was created by the Japanese artist Shokusanjin (Ōta Nanpo) in 1820. Executed in ink on silk, the work measures 96.8 cm in height and 33.8 cm in width. It was produced in Japan during the late Edo period and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The artwork depicts bamboo shoots (Bambusoideae). No details regarding the original commission, the initial owner, or the subsequent chain of custody prior to its arrival at the museum are provided in the available records.

Overview

This hanging scroll, titled Bamboo Shoots, was created by the artist Shokusanjin (also known as Ota Nanpo) in 1820. Executed with ink on silk, the painting presents a still life composition. It features a depiction of young bamboo shoots, rendered with a delicate touch characteristic of East Asian ink painting traditions. The work exemplifies a focused approach to natural subjects.