The contrast between the bursting energy of the radish and the motionless mouse is uncanny. The radish is lively as if it were alive and the mouse looks like a beautiful still life. What unites them together is Murase’s brilliant brush strokes. We can feel the artist's brush freely gliding over the paper. With just a few strokes he conjured up one solid radish that extends outside of the paper and with a small, careful strokes he painted the remaining roots clinging on to the radish. The mouse is intimidated by the size and vigor of the radish and appears frozen, unable to decide whether he should attack the radish or gnaw at it, or just escape form the scene. As if to hint at his delight and satisfaction of his execution, Murase signed the work with "brush by Soseki”.

About the Artist

Murase, Souseki was born in Kyoto. He was commonly known as Sotaro, but also used the pseudonym, Saiun. He studied under Matsumura, Keibun and Yokoyama, Seiki, and isknown as one of the masters of the Shijo school.