Autumn Mountain

"Autumn Mountain"
Author Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
Original title "Akiyama"
Translator Ivan Morris
Country Japan
Language Japanese
Genre(s) Short story
Media type Print
Publication date 1921

Autumn Mountain (秋山 Akiyama) is a 1921 short story by Japanese writer Ryūnosuke Akutagawa. Akutagawa first published the story when he was twenty-nine.[1] The story tells the tale of a painting, supposed to be the greatest ever made. However, when the speaker sees the painting, it does not meet the expectations of the promised masterpiece of unparalleled beauty. However, even though the speaker does not know if the painting actually exists, he realizes that he can see the beauty in his mind. In the short story, Akutagawa deals with the subjects of truth and beauty.

Plot summary

While visiting his friend Yün Nan-t'ien, Wang Shih-ku tells a story about a masterful painting called Autumn Mountain by the artist Ta Ch'ih. He explains that a man named Yen-k'o, a great admirer of Ta Ch'ih, learned of the painting, which was supposed to be the finest of the artist's works. Seeking the painting, Yen-k'o ends up at the house of a Mr. Chang, who shows him the painting. Yen-k'o stands in awe of the painting, declaring it of "godlike quality". Convinced he has witnessed perfect beauty, he attempts to purchase the painting a number of times over many years, but Mr. Chang refuses to sell it.

Fifty years later, Wang Shih-ku himself, after hearing of it from Yen-k'o, attempts to see the painting. He learns that Mr. Wang has obtained the painting from Mr. Chang's grandson. Wang Shih-ku goes to see the painting; he is, however disappointed when it is hung. The painting, while a masterpiece, does not live up to the description Yen'ko had given. He and Yen-k'o show their disappointment, though the renowned critic Lien-chou lauds it as one of the greatest paintings ever produced.

After Wang Shih-ku finishes the story, he and Yün Nan-t'ien muse over whether the painting had another version, or if the masterpiece Yen-k'o saw never existed outside of his head. Wang Shih-ku announces, that even if it never existed, he can still see it in his head, so there is no loss. The two men clap and laugh after realizing this.

Characters in Autumn Mountain

Themes

Like many of his works, Autumn Mountain deals with the objectivity of truth.[2] The two friends do not know if the masterpiece ever really existed, but do realize that such a painting exists at least in the reality of their minds. Though the painting appears to be nothing more than a figment of imagination. However, Akutagawa comments on the nature of supreme beauty by asserting that ultimate beauty did exist, even if only in the observer's mind.[1]

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Morris (1962), 174.
  2. Liukkonen (2008).

References