14.7 Kanō Eitoku by

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-21 22:30:41 UTC

Kanō Eitoku (1543–1590)

Famous Views of Sagano (top) and Famous Views of Uji (bottom)

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-21 22:38:08 UTC

Created in 1560, Kanō Eitoku's silkscreen print of Sagano, a region in the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan. As well as Uji, a city in south Kyoto, Japan, known for its temples and shrines.

This art piece conveys the cultural appreciation for nature and the landscapes tied to religious and historical traditions. Also, the technological innovations of printmaking bring up the popular demand for visual art.

Old Pine and Cherry Trees by Rocks

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-21 23:37:16 UTC

Created in 1590, Old Pin and Cherry Trees by Rocks exemplifies the period of Japanese art through the bold use of symbolism. The connection between the natural world and cultural, spiritual beliefs of this time. The use of pine trees and cherry blossoms reflects the endurance and beauty of the natural world, a response to the philosophical ideas of this era.

Birds and Flowers of The Four Season's

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-21 23:56:05 UTC

Created throughout 1573 and 1590, Birds and Flowers of The Four Seasons is and example of natural beauty, symbolism, and decoration.

A quote on this from The Met states, "In their elegant grandeur, these screens reflect the lavish taste that prevailed in the mansions and temples of the capital during the period."

Hermits and a Fairy (Left Side)

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-22 00:10:37 UTC

Created in 1590, Hermits and a Fairy (Left Side) is a pair of folding screens. Hermits in Japanese are a symbol of wisdom and self-cultivation, this art piece features hermits engaging in meditation. This piece is an example of philosophical themes of wisdom and spirituality within the decorative style of the Kanō school.

Birds and Pine Tree

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-22 00:20:27 UTC

Created between 1570 and 1590, this painting is like many other works created by Eitoku, not just intended as an object of beauty but also a reflection of the spiritual and moral ideals of the time period.

Views Inside and Outside the Capital, Kyoto (Left half)

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-22 00:59:54 UTC

This piece, along with its second half, was made in 1561 as a screen painting. It provides a visual account of Kyoto's interior life, looking inward at the city's political, cultural, and religious customs during this time. This painting shines a light on Kyoto's imperial court, temples, street life, and architecture.

Cypress Trees

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-22 07:06:37 UTC

Made in 1590, Cypress Trees is not just a natural element; it is a symbol of immortality, sacredness, and political power. A type of cypress tree, hinoki, has been known to be a sacred tree that embodies purity, longevity, and spirituality. Not only the tree as a whole but its wood plays a critical role in ancient rituals and modern-day life. This is fitting, considering Japan was looking to define its place in the world, both culturally and politically.

Hermits and a Fairy (Right side)

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-22 07:16:32 UTC

The right side of this piece was created the same year as the left side, 1590. This piece offers a sophisticated philosophical depiction of supernatural beings. It reflects the spiritual and intellectual uprise during a time where Japan was experiencing new political and cultural changes. This piece is a blend of Chinese aethetic influences with Japanese spirituality, where it not only serves as a decorative piece but also expresses wisdom, spiritual enlightenment and harmony of nature.

Chinese Lions

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-22 07:22:55 UTC

1590s Chinese Lions artwork was created by Kanō Eitoku and served as a notable example of how Eitoku blended Chinese artistic traditions with a Japanese aesthetic. This piece features a Chinese lion, which is deeply embodied with Buddhism, Daoist, and Chinese imperial symbolism. However, it was shown through the lens of Japanese interpretation.

Views Inside and Outside the Capital, Kyoto (Right half)

p5xfddq56f — 2024-11-22 07:31:20 UTC

The right half-piece of Views Inside and Outside the Capital, Kyoto, was created in the same year as the left, 1561. Both of these artworks are a pair of folding screens, the left contrasts with the right. Both halves focus on Kyoto during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, they both represent different aspects of the city. The left views the internal private world, and the right sees the external, public world.