Landscape of the Four Seasons

Attributed to Kano Chōkichi Japanese

16th century

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).

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Landscape of the Four Seasons
Artist: Attributed to Kano Chōkichi (Japanese, active mid–16th century)
Period: Muromachi period (1392–1573)
Date: 16th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: Image (each screen): 59 1/2 in. x 11ft. 12 1/2 in. (151.1 x 356.9 cm)
Overall (each screen): 66 1/8 in. x 12 ft. 3 1/2 in. (168 x 374.6 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
Object Number: 1975.268.42, .43
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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