Attributed to Kanō Chikanobu (1660-1728) – 狩野周信の作だとされている (1660年8月7日-1728年2月15日) – Temple Landscape – 寺院山水

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Chikanobu was the 3rd head of the Kobikicho Kanō family – one of the most prestigious families in the history of Japanese art. He painted whole wall paintings for the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo Castle as well as large folding screens as gifts for the Korean Dynasty. In 1719, he was ordained with the rank of “Hōgen” (法元) for his talents and comportment. Signed “Chikanobu hiitsu” and sealed “Josen”.

This piece pre-dates 1719 and is a wonderful example of how brilliantly he could paint a small, simple Kanō-style landscape. Also apparent is the high quality of ink and paint he had access to. The soft green mountains in the background on either side were brushed with decades worth of experience and sensitivity. Everything about this scene, as with many of his pieces, is nestled within a personal interpretation of tranquility, through the spirit of a school that was at this point almost 250 years old. These photos do not do the piece justice (always expect Japanese art to be five times as impressive in person). This is a tour de force of small format sansui painting. Recently acquired in Kyoto.

Small normal damages, foxing and toning. *This is not a hanging scroll. It was backed over 100 years ago onto a piece of decorative washi.

6.5″ x 7.5″ (image size) – $700 –  Price includes shipping worldwide! Comes with a sealed document of authenticity. All prices in Canadian dollars.