HATTORI Ryōei

The Great Wall of China, a World Heritage Site, is home to many stories from its magnificent history. For example, the "Legend of Meng Jiangnu" is the tragic tale of a woman who, worried about her husband who had been conscripted to work on the construction of the Great Wall, journeyed to deliver winter clothing.
The Great Wall was built to prevent the invasion of the Xiongnu, but its history and architectural techniques have also had a major impact on art and culture, attracting many visitors. Hattori Ryoei, a graduate of the Jikyouji Temple of the Shinshu Takada sect in Mie Prefecture, served as principal of the Beijing School of Fine Arts from 1937 to 1939.
This work was likely created during Hattori's stay in China, and it depicts the complex terrain as if he were enjoying it, creating a work rich in variety by utilizing its dynamic sense rather than carefully tracing its shape. This may also be related to the fact that Hattori was also active as a manga artist.