Chinese-style ink painting flourished in Japan during the Muromachi period due to the resumed contact with mainland Asia. These works are known as suibokuga, literally 'pictures [made] with water and ink.' Solid forms and spatial depth are suggested using a variety of ink lines and washes. The rise of these monochrome works came largely from their association with Zen Buddhism, which regarded the spontaneous act of painting as a means to enlightenment. Many of the Zen priests themselves produced paintings.

The traditions of the Southern Song dynasty of China (AD 1189-1279) were held in the highest regard, and painters emulated the styles of such masters as Xia Gui and Ma Yuan. Painters followed Chinese practice and combined various techniques and styles, for instance solid lines with colour infill for the main motifs against a background created with ink tones. In addition, the renowned scholarly painters of the Yuan dynasty and the academic painters of the Ming dynasty also proved influential.

Common subjects were mountainous landscapes, created in the painter’s imagination but conveying to the viewer an idea of China. In appearance they contrasted strongly with the rolling hills and thick, coloured pigments of Yamato-e paintings. New subjects related to Zen Buddhism were also depicted including its eccentrics and other legendary figures.