Kano Ansen Takanobu, Flowers and Birds, Japanese Scroll Painting

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Kano Ansen Takanobu, Flowers and Birds, Japanese Scroll Painting

About the Item

Kano Ansen Takanobu (1809-1892) “Flowers and Birds of Spring and Summer” 1888 Hanging scroll, ink and color on silk Inscription: “Matsushita……..Ansen 80 years of age” Upper seal: Kano Shi Lower seal: Takanobu A sophisticated painting entwining seasonal markers of spring and summer within a single composition. A white plum blossom breaking into flower has been painted so as to appear bursting with vigour beyond the confines of the scroll. On it sits a Japanese bush warbler or uguisu in full cry, heralding the arrival of spring. Below, a tiny kingfisher is perched on a reed. Blooming irises and water lilies indicate summer and are often associated with the kingfisher. The distinct compositional elements reach toward each other creating a sense of movement and perpetuity. The traditions of the Kano school are represented in the ink brushwork defining the plum branches and in the modelling of the birds, even though the extreme detail and delicacy of the painting don’t immediately bring the school to mind. The cry of the uguisu also signifies renewal and rebirth due to its association with the new year. In combination with plum blossoms it has been a popular seasonal motif since the classical poet anthologies of the past, such as the Manyoshu and Kokin Wakashu. Despite its ubiquitous song and cultural presence in Japan, the bush warbler itself does not stand out very much. Being both very shy and secretive, this little bird is difficult to spot aside from early spring when tree and brush branches remain without foliage. The kingfisher sits in a field of Japanese iris (hana-shoubu) and water lilies, both seasonal indicators of summer. The iris symbolises the warrior spirit due to the sword-like nature of its leaves. It is traditionally associated with the Boy’s Day festival. The Japanese name hana-shoubu is a play on words where hana means “flower” and shoubu can mean “martial spirit” or “victory or defeat” as in a showdown. Kano Ansen Takanobu (1809-1892). Adopted son of Kano Yoshinobu. He was the 10th generational head of the Negishi Ogyonomatsu Kano (Negishi Miyukinomatsu Kano) family, one of the second-tier branch families. He studied painting under Kano Isen’in Naganobu of the Kobikicho Kano. This work was painted toward the end of his life, after the tumultuous upheaval of the Meiji period where the Kano families were stripped of their properties and had their generous stipends stopped. Given the quality of the materials used it would appear that he hadn’t forgone all luxuries and patronage. According to some sources he was employed in an official capacity at the Ministry of Education in 1874 and the Museum Bureau in 1875. Works by the artist are held in the Edo Tokyo Museum.

Creator:
Kano Ansen Takanobu 1 (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 69 in (175.26 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Style:
Meiji (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Silk,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
1880-1889
Date of Manufacture:
1888
Condition:
Professionally remounted in Kyoto.
Seller Location:
Kyoto, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU247237102923