新曲図屏風|“Takebun,” from the Musical Drama “The New Piece” (“Shinkyoku”)
1618
ink
panel
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
新曲図屏風|“Takebun,” from the Musical Drama “The New Piece” (“Shinkyoku”) is a 1618 ink by Unknown, a Baroque work, depicting Tree, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This painting shows two folding screens filled with a golden, dreamy landscape. Trees, buildings, and people are scattered across rolling hills and misty rivers. The sky is thick with fluffy clouds, and the whole scene shimmers with gold and silver leaf. Notice how the artist used tiny lines to build up shadows and textures—almost like a sketch come to life. The gold leaf gives everything a warm, glowing feel, as if the world is bathed in sunlight. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists create depth with simple lines.
