Autumn Landscape

Kawabata Gyokushō, a master of the Maruyama school, created this evocative "Autumn Landscape" in 1906, late in his career. His work often focused on nature, capturing its delicate beauty with a refined hand. While many of his known pieces, such as those in the Met's collection, are smaller album leaves depicting individual creatures or scenes like "Squirrel Eating Chestnuts" or "Pair of Ducks," this larger landscape allows for a broader exploration of the season. The Maruyama school, known for its naturalistic style and attention to detail, is evident here in the way Gyokushō renders the changing foliage and the serene atmosphere of autumn. This piece reflects a continuation of his lifelong dedication to depicting the natural world, a theme prevalent throughout his extensive body of work, which also includes woodblock prints and illustrated books.