Birds and Flowers – (Kano Tan'yū) ◄ Previous Next ►

Artist: Kano Tan'yū

Date: 601

Size: 177.8cm x 395.0cm

Technique: Panel

Introduction to the Kanō School Style Art Movement

The Kanō school style art movement is one of the most famous schools of Japanese painting, with a history that spans from the late 15th century to the Meiji period. The school was founded by Kanō Masanobu and produced a string of major artists over several generations, including Kanō Motonobu, Kanō Eitoku, and Kanō Tan'yu. The Kanō school began by reflecting a renewed influence from Chinese painting but developed a brightly coloured and firmly outlined style for large panels decorating the castles of the nobility which reflected distinctively Japanese traditions. This style was characterized by strong outlines, bold colours, and extensive use of gold leaf, creating a visual impact that was both impressive and luxurious.

Kano Tan'yu: A Foremost Kanō Painter

Kanō Tan'yu was one of the foremost Kanō painters of the Tokugawa period, with many of the best known Kanō works today being by him. He was appointed by the Tokugawa shogunate to become the shogunate's first official painter and created a number of large-scale works for Edo Castle, Nijō Castle, Osaka Castle, Nagoya Castle, and Nikkō Tōshō-gū. Birds and Flowers is one of Tan'yu's most famous works, depicting natural subjects such as birds and plants in bright colors and with extensive use of gold leaf. The painting exemplifies the Kanō school's style, which was characterized by strong outlines, bold colours, and extensive use of gold leaf, creating a visual impact that is both impressive and luxurious.

The Art of Japanese Paper

Japanese art covers a wide range of styles and media, including ancient pottery, sculpture, ink painting and calligraphy on silk and paper, ukiyo-e paintings and woodblock prints, ceramics, origami, bonsai, and more recently manga. The use of paper as a medium for art in Japan has a long history, dating back to the 7th century when Buddhist monks introduced papermaking techniques from China. Birds and Flowers is an example of ink painting on paper, a popular form of Japanese art that emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and harmony with nature. The use of ink and water creates a sense of movement and fluidity, while the minimalist composition draws attention to the beauty and detail of the subject matter.

Conclusion

The Kanō school style art movement was a dominant force in Japanese painting for several centuries, producing some of the most impressive and luxurious works of art in Japanese history. Its influence can still be seen today in many modern Japanese paintings, which continue to draw on the traditions and techniques developed by the Kanō school. If you are interested in learning more about the Kanō school style art movement or other Japanese art movements, please visit our website Wikioo.org for a wide selection of hand-made oil painting reproductions. Note: All images and content are subject to copyright by their respective owners and licensors. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our information, Wikioo.org makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained on this website.