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Cranes

Soga Shōhaku Japanese
ca. 1760
Not on view
This diptych offers a close-up depiction of auspicious Chinese pictorial subjects—cranes and bamboo, set against a backdrop of pines. The composition draws upon ink painting of the Muromachi period (1392–1573), a tradition inspired by imported Chinese styles. However, in this piece, the cranes—symbols of longevity and good fortune—are rendered with almost humanlike expressions, enhancing their interaction. This expressiveness is a hallmark of the Kyoto painter Soga Shōhaku.

One of the major Japanese artists of the eighteenth century, Shōhaku was known for his outlandish behavior, sometimes unrestrained approach to painting, and rebellious personality, qualities that were frequently commented on by his contemporaries. His audacious individuality and departure from convention distinguished him from his peers and have earned his works a renewed high esteem today.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 曾我蕭白筆　鶴図
  • Title: Cranes
  • Artist: Soga Shōhaku (Japanese, 1730–1781)
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: ca. 1760
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper
  • Dimensions: Image: 52 3/4 × 22 1/16 in. (134 × 56 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 90 3/16 × 28 in. (229 × 71.1 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 90 3/16 × 30 1/4 in. (229.1 × 76.8 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2019
  • Object Number: 2019.420.24a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Chinese Scholar Contemplating a Waterfall, Soga Shōhaku Japanese, Two-panel folding screen; ink and gold on paper, Japan
Chinese Scholar Contemplating a Waterfall
Follower of Soga Shōhaku
late18th–early 19th century
Helmet (<i>Zukinnari Kabuto</i>), Iron, lacquer, Japanese
Helmet (Zukinnari Kabuto)
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16th century
Woods and Valleys of Mount Yu, Ni Zan Chinese, Hanging scroll; ink on paper, China
Woods and Valleys of Mount Yu
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Eight Views of Ōmi (Ōmi hakkei), Soga Shōhaku Japanese, Six-panel folding screen; ink and paper, Japan
Eight Views of Ōmi (Ōmi hakkei)
Soga Shōhaku
ca. 1762–66
Armor (<i>Gusoku</i>), Saotome Ietada Japanese, Iron, lacquer, silk, gilt copper, Japanese
Armor (Gusoku)
Armorer Helmet bowl signed Saotome Ietada
Armorer Breastplate inscribed inside, Myōchin Munesuke
16th and 18th centuries

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