Sesson Shukei: A Zen Monk-Painter in Medieval Japan

Three essays by leading scholars in Japanese art explore Sesson Shukei's unique existence and unconventional painting style, and how scholarly perceptions of the artist have changed over time. Fifty-three entries highlight major works by Sesson and other artists before, during, and after his time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: Hirmer Verlag

Three essays by leading scholars in the field of Japanese art explore Sessons unique existence and unconventional painting style, as well as how scholarly perceptions of the artist have changed over time. Fifty-three entries highlight major works by Sesson as well as those by other artists before, during, and after his time.

Sesson Shukei stands out as an anomaly in the history of Japanese art. Among the vast canon of Japanese ink painting, Sesson departed from convention. Inspired by the untamed landscape of the eastern regions of Japan, Sesson led a peripatetic existence caused by a lifetime of experiencing warfare and upheaval—yet he created some of the most visually striking images in the history of Japanese ink painting. This publication explores new ways of understanding and interpreting one of Japan's greatest painters and the world that shaped him.

Sesson's unique existence and unconventional painting style have been the subject of extensive scholarly exploration. Leading scholars in the field have delved into the artist's life, examining the impact of his experiences on his art. They have analyzed his distinctive technique, which involved using bold lines and vibrant colors to create powerful and expressive images.

Over time, scholarly perceptions of Sesson have evolved. Initially, he was regarded as a lesser-known artist, overshadowed by the more famous painters of his era. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of his significance and the importance of his contributions to Japanese art. This has led to a renewed interest in his works and a deeper understanding of his artistic vision.

The publication "Sesson Shukei: An Unconventional Visionary" seeks to further explore these aspects of Sesson's life and art. It features three essays by leading scholars in the field, each offering a fresh perspective on the artist's work. The essays cover various topics, including Sesson's influence on Japanese ink painting, his use of color and line, and the changing scholarly perceptions of his art.

In addition to the essays, the publication includes fifty-three entries that highlight major works by Sesson as well as those by other artists before, during, and after his time. These entries provide a comprehensive overview of Sesson's artistic development and his place within the broader context of Japanese art history.

Overall, "Sesson Shukei: An Unconventional Visionary" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Japanese art and the life of Sesson Shukei. It offers a comprehensive examination of the artist's life and work, providing new insights and perspectives on his unique artistic vision. Whether you are an art enthusiast, scholar, or simply curious about the world of Japanese art, this publication is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Weight: 1938g
Dimension: 263 x 378 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783777436333