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Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons

late 16th century

Not on view

This composition of flowers in a seasonal progression from spring to winter celebrates longevity with its auspicious motif of cranes. The brilliant colors, strong ink outlines, gold-leaf background, and profusion of pictorial elements are typical of the decorative formula established by Kano Motonobu (1476–1559), founder of the Kano school, while the boldness is reminiscent of Motonobu’s grandson, the prolific Kano Eitoku (1543–1590). The exaggerated dimensions of the pine and cedar trees, the attempt to create space for projecting branches in the crowded composition, and the depiction of brushwood hedges in high relief suggest that the work dates to the late sixteenth century. In their elegant grandeur these screens reflect the lavish taste that prevailed in the mansions and temples of the capital during the era named after the Momoyama (Peach Hill) site of Fushimi Castle, in a Kyoto suburb.

#7711. Cranes and Flowers of the Four Seasons

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Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

1987.342.1

1987.342.2

Detail, 1987.342.1, panels 1, 2 (from right)

Detail, 1987.342.1, panels 3, 4 (from right)

Detail, 1987.342.1, panels 5, 6 (from right)

Detail, 1987.342.1

Detail, 1987.342.1

Detail, 1987.342.2, panels 1, 2 (from right)

Detail, 1987.342.2, panels 3, 4 (from right)

Detail, 1987.342.2, panels 5, 6 (from right)

Detail, 1987.342.2

Detail, 1987.342.2

Detail, 1987.342.2

四季花鳥図屏風

Title: Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons

Period: Momoyama period (1573–1615)

Date: late 16th century

Culture: Japan

Medium: Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper

Dimensions: Image: 63 1/4 in. × 11 ft. 10 in. (160.7 × 360.7 cm)
Overall: 69 3/8 in. × 12 ft. 4 1/2 in. (176.2 × 377.2 cm)

Classification: Paintings

Credit Line: Purchase, Mrs. Jackson Burke and Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation Gifts, 1987

Accession Number: 1987.342.1, .2

Chronology

Japan, 1400-1600 A.D.

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