Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Sarusawa Pond |
Artist |
Yamamoto, Sei |
Medium |
oil on canvas |
Date |
1964 |
Description |
Similar to the famous "water lilies" series painted by French Impressionist Claude Monet, Sei Yamamoto captured the effect of light and colors reflected on the water of Sarusawa Pond. Located in Nara, Japan, Sarusawa Pond is known for its scenic beauty and local folklore. The pond was originally called Hojo-ike (set living things free pond) because it was believed that a person who released a living thing into the pond could gain merit for himself or a departed relative. People bought carp, koi and turtles and freed them in Sarusawa Pond. In this painting, Yamamoto captured the orange and gold of the fish and turtles swimming in the pond. He added patches of blue and green to represent the colors of the sky and willow trees reflected on the water's surface. Yamamoto chose to communicate the essence of Sarusawa Pond by painting the fleeting colors of living things within and around it. |
Collection |
Permanent Collection |
Dimensions |
H-63.05 W-51 inches |
Credit line |
1969 Gift of Mrs. Blanchette Rockefeller |