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Bountiful Waters: Aquatic Life in Japanese Art:
The Japanese islands form a long archipelago whose climate ranges from subarctic to subtropical, a diverse environment hospitable to a wide variety of plant and animal life. According to ancient legend, a male and female god descended from heaven and gave birth to the islands and the deities (kami) of the mountains, rivers, and trees. Seasonal plants and wildlife in the mountains and plains provided humans with sustenance, plentiful rainfall ensured an abundant harvest from the land and waters as well.
Numerous types of fishes and crustaceans flourish in the surrounding seas and in freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. Modern archaeologists have excavated prehistoric fishhooks and harpoon heads made of bone and antler horn from coastal shell mounds. These indicate a detailed knowledge of the varieties and habits of area fishes and shellfish and methods for their capture.
In modern times, aquatic plants and animals remain staples of Japanese diet and cuisine. Distinctive preparation methods highlight the freshness and beauty of seasonal fishes. Sliced uncooked fish glistens as sashimi and sushi; the unique taste of each is highlighted by simple salt-broiling and braising.
This exhibition gathers together for the first time paintings, woodblock prints, illustrated books, and ceramics depicting aquatic life in the collection of the Freer Gallery of Art. Most of these works were gifts from museum founder Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919) and other generous donors. Highlights include the first showing and the full series of twenty woodblock prints of fishes and crustaceans by Hiroshige in the next room and other works donated by John Fuegi and Jo Francis over a period of nearly twenty years. |