Untitled
The Met
Artist: Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎(Japanese, 1831–1889)
Date: 1885
Department: Asian Art
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: Image: 65 1/2 x 33 in. (166.4 x 83.8 cm) Overall with mounting: 111 1/2 x 43 1/2 in. (283.2 x 110.5 cm) Overall with knobs: 111 1/2 x 47 3/4 in. (283.2 x 121.3 cm)
Credit Line: Charles Stewart Smith Collection, Gift of Mrs. Charles Stewart Smith, Charles Stewart Smith Jr., and Howard Caswell Smith, in memory of Charles Stewart Smith, 1914
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A large bird of prey, a feline, and a snake in a struggle near a waterfall
Detailed Description
A vertical monochromatic image depicts a natural setting. In the upper right, a waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff, rendered with varying shades of grey and black ink to suggest movement and depth. Below the waterfall and extending across the upper-middle section is a large bird of prey, possibly a hawk or eagle, with its wings partially spread and its head turned downwards, looking towards the lower-middle. Its feathers are detailed with fine brushstrokes. In the lower-middle, a small feline-like creature, with fur indicated by short strokes, is engaged in a struggle with a coiled snake. The feline appears to be pouncing or grappling with the snake, its claws visible. The snake's body is intertwined, suggesting movement and resistance. To the left of the central figures, a leafy branch with small berries extends into the scene. More foliage is visible on the right side, near the base of the waterfall. The background is a light, sepia-toned wash, providing contrast to the darker ink work of the figures and landscape elements. On the left side, mid-height, a vertical line of calligraphy is present above a square red seal.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
