Soga Shohaku · 1730–1781
Soga Shohaku
Soga Shohaku (1730-1781) was an Edo-period painter active in Kyoto. He possessed superb ink-painting skill and is regarded as an eccentric painter for his bizarre distortions, intense colors, and uninhibited brushwork.
Soga Shohaku was born in 1730 (Kyoho 15) into a Kyoto merchant family. His original surname was Miura. He is said to have studied under Takada Keiho, and the influence of the Unkoku school has also been pointed out. He claimed to descend from the Muromachi-period painter Soga Jasoku and signed his works "tenth generation of Jasoku." Little material survives about his life, and many points remain unknown.
In his twenties and thirties he stayed several times in Ise and Harima. In Ise he is said to have produced many wall and screen paintings at Asada-ji and the former Nagashima house. While boasting superb ink-painting skill, he is known for a startling, intense style, and his representative works include Screens of Immortals.
He died in 1781 (Tenmei 1). His works include Crane screens, Nansen Cutting the Cat, Viewing a Waterfall (Landscape with Waterfall), Children at Play screens, and Xu You and Chaofu screens.
Works by Soga Shohaku
Children at Play (Screens)
Soga Shohaku · Edo period (18th century)
Image: ColBase
Waterfall
Soga Shohaku · Mid-Edo period (18th century)
Xuyou and Chaofu (Screen)
Soga Shohaku · Edo period (18th century)
Image: ColBase
Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two
Soga Shohaku · Mid-Edo period (18th century)
Folding Screen with Design of Cranes
Soga Shohaku · Mid-Edo period (18th century)