An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Tiger [left of a pair of Tiger and Dragon]1830s
Artist: Ganku
Japanese, 1749/56 - 1838
standing tiger with stream in foreground; rock with birds on UR; branch from pine tree at UL
42 1/4 x 16 1/8 in. (107.32 x 40.96 cm) (image)
76 1/8 x 21 7/16 in. (193.36 x 54.45 cm) (overall, without roller)
Hanging scroll, left of a pair; ink and color on silk
hanging scroll, one of a pair
Japan
18th century
Gift of Harriet and Ed Spencer
In the serene embrace of Kyoto, where tradition whispers through the cherry blossoms and the air is thick with the scent of ancient ink, a remarkable artistic journey unfolded. Picture two eager souls working side by side, each brushstroke a rhythm in their shared dance of creativity.
On one scroll, the powerful figure of a tiger emerges, its gaze fierce yet profound. This majestic creature, crafted by the skilled hands of Ganku, draws upon the depths of his mastery, embodying not just the strength of the animal but a spirit that resonates with the very essence of life itself. Ganku, steeped in the lore of his ancestors, channels the wild beauty of nature, creating a dynamic presence that seems to leap from the paper.
Alongside, on another scroll, a dragon coils gracefully, its powerful form enlivened by the delicate brushwork of Kishi Renzan, Ganku's son-in-law and trusted protégé. The dragon, shimmering with myth and power, invites onlookers into a realm of dreams and legends. It possesses an ethereal grace, its scales almost capturing the shimmer of moonlight, echoing the dynamic harmony found in the natural world.
Together, these scrolls are more than mere works of art; they are a harmonious dialogue between generations, weaving the wisdom of an elder and the passion of a younger spirit. As they hang side by side, a story unfolds—a narrative of lineage, creativity, and the profound connection between teacher and student, father-in-law and son-in-law.
In this moment, standing before the unfolding scrolls, one can't help but feel the heartbeat of Kyoto itself, a city where stories are painted with love and dedication, wrapped in the quietude of time. Each glance at the tiger and dragon invites a reflection on our own journeys, where strength and grace intertwine, inviting the observer to delve deeper into the very fabric of existence.
About the artist
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