1824
ink
paper
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dominant colour
孫悟空|The Monkey King Songokū, from the Chinese novel Journey to the West is a 1824 ink by Yashima Gakutei, a Romanticism work, depicting Monkey, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This print shows a dramatic figure in mid-motion, wearing a bright red robe with gold trim and a white sash. One hand holds a sword, while the other points upward, as if reacting to something. The face is exaggerated—big eyes, a fierce grin—and the hair sticks out wildly. A few scattered leaves lie on the ground, and small animals peek from the top corners. The figure looks like a warrior or mythical hero, caught in a moment of action or surprise. The bold colors and dynamic pose make it feel full of energy. If you like this style, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build detail with lines.
Yashima Gakutei (Japanese: 八島岳亭; c. 1786 – 1868) was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyōka poetry and surimono works.
See the richer artist page
