In the year 794, Japan's capital was moved to Kyoto from Nara.  For about 400 years afterwards, which is known as the Heian period, Japanese culture underwent a dramatic change to establish its own independence from Chinese influence, particularly in literature and poetry.

In Kyoto, the Arashiyama area in the western suburb was a favorite retreat for the imperial court.  Boating in the river, as depicted in this painting, was one of the favorite pastimes of aristocrats.  They would enjoy beautiful sceneries different in each season, cormorant fishing, poetry reading, singing and dancing...

Today many people visit the area all year round to soak up the same atmosphere Heian aristocrats would cherish a thousand years ago.


River Cruise, Kyoto, Japan X

Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 in. (on a 12 x 9 paper)
Purchase: Sold


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