Minneapolis Institute of Art located in Minnesota, America
Location History:
The bird of landscape (right of pair) was located in Japan since its creation, however it was gifted by the Clark centre of Japanese Art and Culture to Minneapolis Institute of Art in 2013.
Japanese Art Culture is distinguished by its deep homage of imperfection and transience.
The artwork – Bird in Lanscape (right of pair) is one of the examples of early edo periods. The painting is made of colour and ink on paper by Kano Naonobu.
Kano Naonobu belonged to the famous Ksano artists family. He was the 2nd son of Kano Takanobu and younger brother of Kano Tanyu. Kano Naonobu created many paintings in collaboration with his older brother. Kano Naonobu was also the Official court painter under the Third Tokugawa shogunate.
Kano Naonobu originally created this painting to be used as a sliding room divider (Fusuma) however it was used as a screening panel at a later time.
The bird in landscape (right of pair) actually features herons, sparrows, mandarine ducks, magpies and pheasants. Furthermore Kano Naonobu was known for his mastery of Suiboku-ga (ink wash) painting as well as the bold use of negative space and powerful yet smooth flowing brushwork which can be seen easily in any of his works. Bird in landscape is just an example of this distinguished style.
Kano Naonobu founded the Kobikicho branch of the Kano family which marks the significance of his style of painting. Birds in landscape is a composition of calmness, birds peacefully going on about their day. Which catches the attention of the beholder and keeps them grounded with powerful yet calm composition. The painting is currently located at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
To me, Bird in Landscape (Right of Pair) symbolizes the harmony between living beings and nature. The bird appears calm and free, suggesting peace, hope, and the beauty of the natural world. The surrounding landscape creates a quiet atmosphere that encourages viewers to slow down and appreciate the environment. I feel the artwork reflects the importance of balance, where every element of nature has its own place and purpose. The simplicity of the composition makes the painting feel timeless and soothing. Overall, I interpret this artwork as a reminder that true freedom and happiness are often found in living in harmony with nature and respecting its beauty.
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By: Simran Sharma
Bird in Landscape (Right of Pair) can be interpreted as a meditation on harmony, balance, and the quiet rhythms of nature. Rather than presenting a dramatic narrative, Kano Naonobu invites viewers to pause and appreciate the beauty of ordinary moments, where birds coexist peacefully within an expansive natural landscape.
The variety of birds—including herons, sparrows, mandarin ducks, magpies, and pheasants—symbolizes the richness and diversity of the natural world. Each species occupies its own place within the composition, suggesting that harmony arises through balance rather than uniformity. Their calm movements reflect the Japanese appreciation for observing nature with patience and mindfulness.
A unique interpretation is that the painting uses empty space as an active element rather than a void. The large areas of unpainted paper are as meaningful as the inked forms, encouraging viewers to contemplate silence, stillness, and the impermanence of life. This restraint reflects Japanese aesthetic ideals, where what is left unsaid or unseen can be just as powerful as what is depicted.
Naonobu's fluid brushwork and mastery of suiboku-ga (ink wash painting) reinforce this sense of tranquility. Instead of overwhelming the viewer with intricate detail, he captures the essence of the landscape through expressive strokes and subtle tonal variations, allowing the imagination to complete the scene.
Originally created as a fusuma (sliding door), the painting also blurs the boundary between architecture and nature. Installed within a living space, it would have transformed an interior room into an extension of the natural world, reminding its viewers that human life should exist in harmony with the environment rather than apart from it.
Overall, Bird in Landscape symbolizes peace, the transience of life, harmony with nature, and contemplative living. Through its elegant simplicity and masterful use of space, the painting embodies the Edo-period Japanese belief that profound beauty is often found in quiet observation and the fleeting moments of the natural world.
