An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Swift Bull from the Ten Swift Bullslate 1200s–early 1300s
Across the world, animals once played a much larger role in the transportation of the elite. Members of Japan’s imperial court traveled in vehicles pulled by oxen until the late 1400s, when oxcarts were restricted to ceremonial use. One sign of the past importance of the ox as a status symbol survives in this fragment from a scroll of portraits of 10 speedy bulls. The painter layered washes containing differing ratios of black ink to water to create a three-dimensional effect.
We know the original scroll had ten bulls because a copy of the complete scroll exists.
section of a handscroll mounted as a hanging scroll; ink and slight color on paper
Painting: 27.1 x 31.9 cm (10 11/16 x 12 9/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In a time long gone, the world was different, and the air hummed with the sound of hooves trodding along the earth. The ancient pathways of Japan, once graced by the grand vehicles of the imperial court, carried the weight of nobility, their journeys marked by the steadfast strength of oxen. Picture those ox-drawn oxcarts, majestic and proud, snaking their way through vibrant landscapes, a symbol of status that filled the horizon with their sturdy presence.
But as the 15th century dawned, change swept through the realm like a gentle breeze, whispering of new customs and practices. The thrum of oxen grew quieter, their role in the luxurious transportation of the elite confined to ceremonial occasions—a poignant reminder of a once-celebrated connection between man and beast.
Yet, remnants of this storied relationship linger still, captured in delicate strokes on a fragment of a scroll depicting ten spirited bulls. Here, the artist, with skillful precision, layered washes of black ink mixed with water, creating a rich tapestry that breathes life into the portrayal of these powerful creatures. The three-dimensional effect draws the eye, inviting a deeper reflection on the elegance and vitality of each bull, echoing the past's grandeur.
These portraits serve not only as art; they are conduits to a time when the ox was more than a mere animal. It was a symbol of lineage and pride, a vital part of the fabric of an elite society that, like the transient nature of life itself, has since changed. Through this artwork, we connect with a history that speaks of strength, status, and the natural world, reminding us of the rhythm of existence that pulses through all living things.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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