Puppies

Maruyama Ōkyo

1781

Puppies by Maruyama Ōkyo, 1781

Although often associated with the decorative styles of his time, Maruyama Ōkyo was actually a pioneer of the Maruyama school, which championed 'shasei'—sketching directly from life. You can see this commitment to realism in the three fluffy puppies, rendered with such soft, lifelike detail that they look ready to tumble right off the surface. Painted in 1781, the scene contrasts the playful, earthy innocence of the dogs with a glamorous background of scattered gold dust. This combination of hyper-realistic animals and luxurious decoration creates a stunning visual treat that feels both intimate and grand.

Technique
Ink and color with gold dust background
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