Mount Penglai with Eight Views of Xiao and Xiang

Kano Tansui Moritsune Japanese

Not on view

The central scroll of this triptych depicts the immortal realm of Mount Penglai (or Hōrai in Japanese), an image displayed during New Year celebrations in Japan. The mountainous isle is said to be balanced on the back of a tortoise, a symbol of longevity. Penglai supports other symbols of long life, such as a crane and pine trees, while its plum flowers and the rising sun announce the coming of a new day. The two flanking panels illustrate imaginary Chinese landscapes of the four seasons.

On view for rotations 1 and 2

Mount Penglai with Eight Views of Xiao and Xiang, Kano Tansui Moritsune (active 19th century), One from a triptych of hanging scrolls; ink and color on silk, Japan

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