Horse 1

A horse rendered in woodblock by Imoto Tekiho, likely depicted with the sumi-e influenced style that characterizes much of the artist's work. Horses have been important subjects in Japanese art since the earliest periods, associated with military power, divine messengers (the ema votive tablets at Shinto shrines depict horses), and the beauty of controlled strength. Tekiho's woodblock horse likely combines the bold, brushwork-derived contours of ink painting with the precise registration of the print medium. The horse's muscular body, flowing mane, and alert posture offer the artist opportunities for dynamic line work that differs significantly from the botanical and landscape subjects that dominate Tekiho's catalog. This animal study demonstrates the range of subjects available within the woodblock tradition.