Tsurusawa Tansaku – 鶴澤探索 (1729-1797) – Goose & Moon – 雁と月

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Tsurusawa Tansaku was the third generation head of the Tsurusawa school of painting (a branch off of the Kanō school) and the son of Tsurusawa Tangei (1687-1769), placing him in the lineage of the great Kanō Tan’yū, who his grandfather apprenticed under. This also puts him in the direct lineage of the very long-lived Kanō Masanobu (1434–1530), who founded the school. The Japanese art historian, Robert Treat Paine, wrote, “another family which in direct blood line produced so many men of genius … would be hard to find”.

This piece displays an elderly Tsurusawa-san’s confident sumi-e brush hand. The moon is one masterful stroke. The feathers on the upper back and wings were applied with expert bleeding. The pampas grass is executed with great confidence. The three subjects are perfectly balanced, and the viewer can imagine the rest of the goose’s descent before them. Since the ancient Chinese believed that geese only mate once, it is auspicious for fidelity, and here, the goose is returning home. The grass (“suzuki” in Japanese) is symbolic of fall, and this piece was more than likely painted on jyūgoya (十五夜), which is when the grass is used in a ceremony to honor the autumn moon and pray for health and longevity. The moon itself represents the yin, truth and clarity of mind.

Works by Tsurusawa can be found in the collections of The Met (a crane, in a state of descent similar to this goose), the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History (two folding screens depicting cranes), the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Mii-dera Temple, Daitoku-ji Temple, Kyoto National Museum, Shoho-ji Temple, Sennyu-ji Temple, etc.

An excellent gift for a young couple getting married, or any married person looking forward to their future with their loved one. Normal condition for its age (creases, small damages, small stains) and still very enjoyable. The original lacquered jikusaki (roller ends) still have a shine to them – a great testament to the quality of Japanese lacquer-ware.

17″ x 66.5″ – Price includes shipping worldwide! Comes with a signed and sealed document of authenticity and an email with links to roughly 3 hours worth of further reading and documentary viewing related to the piece. All prices in Canadian dollars.