Who painted The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup?

The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup was painted by Soga Shōhaku in 1765-01-01.

Where can I see The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup?

The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup?

The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup is associated with Nihonga.

The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup by Soga Shōhaku (1765)

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work reflects Soga Shōhaku’s fascination with supernatural subjects and his role in the mid-Edo period revival of Chinese-inspired literati painting.

The painting portrays the Daoist concept of the Eight Immortals, legendary beings who embody longevity, prosperity, and spiritual transcendence, engaged in a communal wine feast. Their presence symbolizes harmony between the mortal and divine realms, with each figure holding attributes that identify him: a gourd representing abundance, a lotus signifying purity, a bamboo stalk denoting resilience, a sword for martial virtue, a flute for artistic inspiration, a lantern for illumination, a bamboo basket for nourishment, and a long robe denoting wisdom. The work reflects Soga Shōhaku’s fascination with supernatural subjects and his role in the mid-Edo period revival of Chinese-inspired literati painting.

The composition emphasizes camaraderie and the transitory nature of earthly pleasures, while the shared libation underscores Daoist ideals of balance and spiritual communion.

History & Provenance

The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup is a painting created by the Japanese artist Soga Shōhaku in 1765. The work was produced in Japan during the mid-18th century. It is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1976.11.2.

The painting The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup by Soga Shōhaku is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The institution assigns the work the accession number 1976.11.2. Created in 1765, the piece is identified within the museum's holdings as a painting originating from Japan.

The provided records confirm its location at the Cleveland Museum of Art but do not list specific past exhibitions or detailed provenance history beyond its current custodianship.

Context

Created in 1765 by Soga Shōhaku, The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup stands as a significant work within the artist's oeuvre during the mid-Edo period in Japan. Shōhaku, active from 1730 to 1781, is known for his eccentric style, and this painting exemplifies his engagement with traditional themes through a distinctive lens. The work is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it serves as a key example of his contributions to Japanese painting.

Its preservation in a major institutional setting highlights its recognized value in the study of eighteenth-century Japanese art history.

Overview

Created in 1765 by the Japanese painter Soga Shōhaku, this ink-and-color work depicts a tranquil garden scene populated by eight distinct figures. The composition balances seated drinkers at a low table with wanderers and recliners beneath trees, while a modest building with a dark interior recedes in the background. Earthy browns and muted golds dominate the palette, lending the tableau a subdued, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Shōhaku employs a loose brushwork characteristic of the Edo period’s literati tradition, allowing forms to emerge from suggestive strokes rather than precise outlines. The muted earth tones are applied in layered washes, while darker shadows define depth without disrupting the overall softness. This approach creates a harmonious blend of realism and abstraction, emphasizing mood over detailed representation.

The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup, Soga Shōhaku

Artist & collection

Artist

Soga Shōhaku

Shōhaku spent his life in Kyoto, the creative heart of Japan, where he painted scrolls and screens that looked nothing like the soft landscapes of his day.