Hermitage Above a Valley

At the upper right of the tall composition a sheer rocky cliff towers, and at the middle left a plateau ringed by pine trees holds a small building. In the foreground a pine with a thick trunk spreads its branches, and a bluish mountain peak shows in the distance. Pale blue-green colors are used throughout, giving a sense of clear air.

According to the museum's commentary, the figure and house are drawn with delicate strokes, while thick lines are used effectively for the surrounding mountains and trees. Indigo is the main color, with additions of red ochre, yellow, and vermilion, and the shading of color gives the picture depth and breadth. It is explained as showing the world of a hermit who has left the everyday world and lives in seclusion high up.

This work forms a pair of two scrolls with "Quiet Pleasure near a Valley" by Taiga's wife Gyokuran, and is regarded as one of the few precious works the couple made together. Taiga was born in Kyoto and, together with Yosa Buson, was called the "founder of Japanese Nanga." The scroll is 128.5 cm high and 54.5 cm wide.