Landscape of the Four Seasons

Attributed to Kano Chōkichi Japanese

Not on view

Inspired by Chinese landscape scrolls in which the mind travels through time and space along rivers and mountain paths, this monumental landscape transforms an interior into a vast space for imaginary wandering. The quintessential Chinese theme of the scholar-recluse attuned to the natural world and enjoying its unsullied beauty reflected Confucian values and the contemplative bent of Japan’s ruling military class. A timeless quality is achieved here by a seasonal progression from spring and summer at right to autumn and winter at left. The elevated tone, strong delineation of forms, and rhythmically patterned brushwork corroborate the work’s attribution to the Kano painter Chōkichi, who is traditionally believed to have studied with Motonobu (1476–1559).

#8816. Landscape of the Four Seasons

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Landscape of the Four Seasons, Attributed to Kano Chōkichi (Japanese, active mid–16th century), Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink and color on paper, Japan

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Landscape of the Four Seasons, Attributed to Kano Chōkichi (Japanese, active mid–16th century), Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink and color on paper, Japan
Landscape of the Four Seasons, Attributed to Kano Chōkichi (Japanese, active mid–16th century), Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink and color on paper, Japan

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