Summer and Winter Landscapes
夏冬山水図
Sesson Shukei · Muromachi period (16th century) · Hanging scroll
One of two hanging scrolls. Image: Source: ColBase (Work page (opens in a new tab)) (reduced in size on this site) Public Data License 2.0 of the Government of Japan (compatible with CC BY 4.0) (opens in a new tab) View larger
"Summer and Winter Landscapes" by Sesson Shukei is an Important Cultural Property: a pair of landscape paintings from the Muromachi period (16th century), regarded as a relatively early work. It is held by the Kyoto National Museum.
- Artist
- Sesson Shukei
- Date
- Muromachi period (16th century)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
This landscape set pairs summer and winter, with each picture measuring 102 cm high and 40.5 cm wide. It is designated an Important Cultural Property.
It is regarded as a relatively early work by Sesson. The treatment of rocks and pavilions shows traces of his study of Sesshu's painting, while his characteristic, extreme distortion of motifs can already be seen.
Sesson is said to have written that although he had studied under Sesshu for many years, his style was very different, and this work is explained as backing up that confidence. The image shows one of the two scrolls, with rocks and trees on misty mountains and a building by the water, all in shades of ink.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- Kyoto National MuseumMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto Accession no. A甲31
Plan your visit to Kyoto National Museum
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to Kyoto National Museum, which holds "Summer and Winter Landscapes".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Summer and Winter Landscapes, and when?
- Summer and Winter Landscapes is by Sesson Shukei, made in Muromachi period (16th century). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Summer and Winter Landscapes?
- It is held by Kyoto National Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- ColBase (Kyoto National Museum) (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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