Landscapes in Summer and Winter

Art Historical Context

Ike Taiga's *Landscapes in Summer and Winter*, an exquisite pair of hanging scrolls from 18th-century Japan during the Edo period (161–1868), captures the poetic contrast of nature's seasonal transformations. Created in ink on silk, these works exemplify Taiga's mastery of *nanga* (Southern School) painting, a literati style inspired by Chinese traditions but infused with Japanese sensibility. Towering mountains dominate the compositions, evoking the sublime beauty and transience of the natural world—a theme central to East Asian art. The hanging scroll format, measuring about 38½ × 18¼ inches each (with elaborate mounting), was designed for ceremonial display in homes or temples, unrolled to immerse viewers in meditative contemplation. Taiga's fluid ink washes and minimalist brushwork create atmospheric depth, contrasting lush summer verdure with stark winter austerity, inviting reflection on impermanence (*mujō*) in Japanese aesthetics. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department (Fletcher Fund, 1964), these scrolls highlight the Edo era's cultural flourishing, when artists like Taiga bridged scholarly ideals and visual poetry. A perfect introduction to Japan's landscape tradition for visitors seeking timeless serenity.