Lot Essay
The subject of oxen that have escaped from their stable represents a yearning for freedom. The theme is familiar from medieval ink painting, notably Oxen by Bunsei (fl. mid-15th century) in the Kyoto National Museum (see Matsushita Ryusho and Tamamura Takeji, Josetsu, Shubun, San Ami, vol. 6 of Suiboku bijutsu taikei [Collection of ink paintings] [Tokyo: Kodansha, 1974], pl. 93). Tan'yu recasts the theme in contemporary fashion on a gold leaf ground.
The signature, Uneme no sei, is rare; Tan'yu used it prior to 1635, when he took the name Tan'yusai, replacing his earlier name, Morinobu.
The signature, Uneme no sei, is rare; Tan'yu used it prior to 1635, when he took the name Tan'yusai, replacing his earlier name, Morinobu.