An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Dragon [right of a pair of Tiger and Dragon]1830s
Artist: Kishi Renzan
Japanese, 1805 - 1859
parts of body of dragon visible behind clouds; open mouth at UL; gold and blue brocade borders
42 3/16 x 16 3/16 in. (107.16 x 41.12 cm) (image)
75 3/4 x 21 1/2 in. (192.41 x 54.61 cm) (overall, without roller)
Hanging scroll, right of a pair; ink and color on silk
hanging scroll, one of a pair
Japan
19th century
Gift of Harriet and Ed Spencer
In the heart of Kyoto, where artistry flows through the streets like the gentle breeze that rustles the cherry blossoms, a remarkable story unfolds. Picture a serene studio where creativity dances between two gifted souls. Here, the tiger and dragon emerge—two powerful symbols of strength and wisdom, each captured with striking detail and vivid emotion.
It is within these hanging scrolls that the essence of mentorship and family intertwines. The majestic tiger, noble and fierce, roars with life through the hands of Ganku, a master artist whose strokes echo tales of the wild. His brush sweeps across the canvas, capturing the essence of the tiger’s spirit, its stripes layered like the fabric of stories whispered through generations.
Beside him, a younger artist tirelessly studies and learns. Kishi Renzan, Ganku’s son-in-law and devoted student, imbues the dragon with his own voice. This celestial creature, a symbol of power and grace, twists and turns in a delicate dance, painted with the care of a devoted apprentice who yearns to honor his teacher’s legacy.
Together, under the soft glow of lantern light, Ganku and Renzan create more than just art—they weave a bond, solidified through shared visions and respect. Each stroke, a testament to their relationship, harmonizes in these scrolls, inviting onlookers into a world where legends meet the intimate ties of family.
Through this collaboration, they remind us that art flourishes when nurtured by connection. In each glance at the tiger and dragon, we find not just images, but echoes of the heart—a legacy of love, respect, and the eternal pursuit of creativity.
About the artist
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