An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Heron and Reeds [left of a pair of Swallow and Heron]late 17th-early 18th century
Artist: Kano Tsunenobu
Japanese, 1636 - 1713
Hill # R-21
38 x 10 9/16 in. (96.52 x 26.83 cm) (image)
63 3/4 x 11 1/8 in. (161.93 x 28.26 cm) (sheet)
Hanging scroll, right of a pair; ink on silk
hanging scroll, one of a pair
Japan
17th-18th century
Bequest of Louis W. Hill, Jr.
In the stillness of a quiet room, two paintings invite you into a world where nature whispers its secrets. In one artwork, a delicate swallow finds its perch upon the graceful seedpod of a lotus plant, its feathers glistening with the warmth of summer. In another, a noble heron stands sentinel by the water’s edge, surrounded by reeds that sway gently in the autumn breeze. These birds and plants, so thoughtfully juxtaposed, tell stories that reach deep into the heart of tradition.
Entering this realm of bird-and-flower painting, we glimpse a history that resonates through the centuries. Introduced to Japan from China in the 1300s, this beloved genre offers more than mere aesthetics; it carries with it rich symbolic meanings. The pairing of the swallow and lotus speaks of summer—bright with possibility—while the heron beside the reeds evokes the gentle fading of autumn, each stroke of paint a reflection of life's cycles. These compositions were not just admired; they were seen as omens of good fortune, blessings painted on silk and paper.
As we breathe in the essence of these artworks, we find ourselves drawn to the artist behind them: Kano Tsunenobu. Following in the footsteps of his father, Naonobu—a name echoing in the nearby display—Tsunenobu took the helm of the Kano painting workshop after his father’s passing. His brush captured the eye of the Tokugawa shogunate, serving as the official painter at a time when artistry was embraced as both craft and honor.
In this tranquil space, the stories of birds and plants unfold, whispering echoes of seasonal change and the steadfast lineage of artistry that binds past to present. Each glance at the paintings reminds us of nature’s delicate balance and the skilled hands that preserve its story through color and form.
About the artist
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