Katō Tomo was the last apprentice of Kodama Kibō, who was considered a master of kenpon suiboku-ga (painting on silk only with shades of sumi ink). He was said to work hard to hone his painting skills while preparing paints and other materials for his master. Shortly after his apprenticeship, Kodama Kibō passed away to make Katō Tomo the last painter inheriting Kodama’s secret painting skills.

This work features Kamikōchi, a scenic area located in Nagano Prefecture, in sumi ink on silk. The mysterious silence of nature is beautifully expressed by the technique of shading along with the gradation of sumi ink. The trees, dying without falling due to external factors, are a highlight of Kamikōchi in Taishō Pond. This work places such trees at the bottom of the screen to be continuously appreciated without any boring feeling. This is a masterpiece of modern kenpon suiboku-ga with outstanding painting skills upon the composition.