Ōkura Uson (大倉雨村, Japanese, 1846–1899) Pine Tree, hanging scroll, ink on silk, in the Shanghai School (海派) style, depicting an expressive pine tree rendered with vigorous, calligraphic brushwork and layered ink tonalities, conveying both the resilience and poetic spirit traditionally associated with the subject, a symbol of endurance and longevity. The composition reflects Uson’s deep engagement with Chinese literati painting during his fifteen-year stay in Shanghai, and shows clear stylistic affinities with Zhang Xiong (张熊, 1803–1886) and Hu Gongshou (胡公寿, 1823–1886), particularly in the fluid brushline and atmospheric treatment, while also anticipating the bold structural presence and dynamic ink handling later associated with Wu Changshuo (吴昌硕, 1844–1927). The work exemplifies the cross-cultural exchange of late 19th-century East Asian painting and Uson’s role in transmitting the Shanghai School aesthetic to Japan. {Image size: 57 1/4 x 21 1/4 inches}.

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