Bird in Landscape

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.