Sketch of the Chinese immortal Dongfang Shuo (Tobosaku)
Artist
Maruyama Ōkyo
(Japanese, 1733 - 1795)
Place of OriginJapan
Date1733-1795
MaterialsInk and light colors on paper
DimensionsH. 52 1/4 in x W. 22 3/4 in, H. 132.7 cm x W. 57.8 cm (overall); H. 14 in x W. 10 1/2 in, H. 35. 6 cm x W. 26.7 cm (image)
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60D16
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewInscribedInscription by Maruyama Oritsu (1817-1875), Okyo's great grandson, saying that it is the work of Okyo.
More Information円山応挙筆 下絵「東方朔」 一幅 紙本墨画淡彩 江戸時代 18世紀
The white deer is a symbol of longevity throughout East Asia. Standing beside the deer in this picture is a Chinese immortal, Dongfang Shuo (Japanese: Tobosaku). Smiling, the sage holds up a large speckled peach—a symbol of immortality—that he has stolen from the Queen Mother of the West.
At the left side, an inscription tells us that this is the authentic work of a celebrated master painter, Maruyama Okyo (the writer's grandfather). This may have been a preparatory sketch for a later, finished painting; it was quickly brushed on thin paper and its subject identified on the back, creating the effect of mirror writing visible at the top left corner.
Maruyama Ōkyo
approx. 1800-1900
Maruyama Ozui
Jichōsai