An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Swallow on a Lotus [right 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, left of a pair; ink on silk
hanging scroll, one of a pair
Japan
17th-18th century
Bequest of Louis W. Hill, Jr.
In a serene corner of the gallery, two paintings invite viewers into the delicate dance of nature. One holds a swallow, its slender body poised elegantly atop the seedpod of a lotus plant, while the other reveals a serene heron standing steadfast beside whispering reeds in a tranquil pool of water. The softness of their forms speaks to a timeless bond between creatures and their surroundings, but there is more to their company than meets the eye.
This artistic pair is not merely a celebration of flora and fauna; it embodies a rich history that traverses cultures and centuries. This enchanting tradition began in China, where it blossomed over countless dynasties, eventually making its way to Japan in the 1300s. The Japanese embraced it, molding the art into something deeply meaningful, where each element whispers stories of the seasons — the swallow and lotus heralding the warmth of summer, whilst the heron and reeds beckon the reflective calm of autumn.
As the viewer delves deeper into this world, the names behind the delicate strokes emerge from the past. Kano Tsunenobu, the masterful artist, stood at the forefront of the Kano painting workshop, guiding his craft after the loss of his father, Naonobu. His inherited role as the painter-in-service to the Tokugawa shogunate spoke not only of skill but of a legacy rich with honor and tradition. Nearby, one can spot Naonobu’s work, a silent tribute echoing through time, hinting at the deep roots of influence that shaped Tsunenobu’s artistry.
The air thickens with stories as one gazes at the swallow perched so gracefully, the lotus beneath holding secrets of summer days gone by, while the heron, with its understated elegance, seems to invite quiet contemplation, accentuating the cyclical passage of time.
In this intimate moment of reflection, the paintings resonate with life’s transitions, embodying a peace found in nature's simplicity and continuity, encouraging viewers to pause and appreciate the intricate tapestry woven by artists and nature alike. Each stroke tells a story, each form a symbol — an everlasting reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the deep connections we all share, elevating us from mere observers to participants in this eternal narrative.
About the artist
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