The Evolution and Impact of the Compositional Forms in Sesshu’s Paintings

In the history of cultural exchange between China and Japan, China has played a significant role in disseminating culture to Japan. An outstanding representative among the artists involved in these exchanges is the Japanese ink painter Sesshu. He studied in China during the Ming Dynasty, learning Chinese painting techniques and concepts, and was deeply influenced by Chinese landscape painting. This paper uses Sesshu’s painting composition as a starting point to sort out his references to Chinese painting. First, it introduces Sesshu’s life and artistic background, then analyzes his paintings to explore his compositional techniques and references to Song and Yuan dynasty paintings. Finally, the far-reaching impact of Sesshu’s paintings on later generations is discussed. He spread the spirit of Chinese painting and its techniques in Japan, making an important contribution to the development of Japanese painting and promoting the development of painting exchanges between China and Japan. Through the analysis and discussion of Sesshu’s paintings, a deeper understanding of his influence and status in Japanese painting and the exchange and development of painting traditions between China and Japan can be achieved.