Tarashikomi

This effect creates a dripping form for fine details such as ripples in water or flower petals on a tree.

Silk was most common for hanging scroll paintings, while paper was used for calligraphy on handscrolls.

[1] Hon'ami Kōetsu (1558–1637) was inspired by the Heian period, which was a model of art from the distant past.

These works were popular among the samurai, who tried to evoke the past without losing the beauty of the Heien period.

His handscroll entitled Kitano Tenjin engi is known for its tarashikomi rendering of clouds and the puffs surrounding them.

[4] Tawaraya's school (1624–1644) painted many folded screens, which were functional as well as beautiful; they could be set up and put away easily, allowing people to enjoy them seasonally, separately or for a special occasion.

The screens were not meant to remain in a corner, like wall art in modern Western houses.

Tarashikomi could add details (such as leaves or flowers on a tree), which made them stand out vibrantly against the background.

The dripped paint layers made buds on a tree shine, and moss glow against shadowed bark; not only did it strengthen the screen, it imparted a three-dimensional quality.

Buddhist painters are best known for these techniques; the ukiyo ("floating world") pictures are an example.

Outside the Edo limits, the Floating World became a popular place of escape and pleasure from the strict Tokugawa shogunate.

He had four children with different women, and was known for frivolity; however, Ogata became one of Japan’s master Rimpa painters.

His scroll, Night View of the Arched Bridge at the Sumiyoshi Shrine uses the style to blur the effects of his painting.