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) – Waterside Village – 水郷

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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 shading gradation between the land masses that creates the strong depth perception was brushed with decades worth of experience and sensitivity. Everything about this scene, as is 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 much more impressive in person). Recently acquired in Kyoto.

Small normal damages, foxing and toning. *This is not a hanging scroll. It was backed many decades ago onto a piece of decorative washi (probably from a shikishi, which is a board that can be put into a special hanging scroll).

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