17th Century Japanese Framed Panel by Kano Sansetsu, White Herons in Snow

Kano Naonobu (1607-1650) Plum Tree and Birds Six-fold Japanese Screen. Ink and slight color on paper. In this evocative ink work spread over a six-panel folding screen, we see the consummation of the elegance and refinement of the Edo Kano school. This 17th century screen is a rare surviving example of a large-scale bird and flower painting by Kano Naonobu, the younger brother of Kano Tanyu...

Kaiho Yusetsu (1598-1677) Tiger and Dragon Early Edo Period, Circa 1650 A Pair of Six-fold Japanese Screens. Ink and slight color on paper. Dimensions: Each screen: H. 171 cm x W. 380 cm (67.5’’ x 149.5’’) In this pair of early Edo period Japanese screens a group of tigers prowl in a bamboo grove whipped with fierce wind, while a dragon claws through clouds and mist. The dragon embodies elemental qualities - looming out of the mist, the coils of its body disappearing in the clouds. The dragon is calling for rain, symbolizing spring which is considered the fountain of life. On the other side, the tigers calls for the wind, symbolizing autumn which is considered the end of life. Tigers were familiar motifs within Japanese art from ancient times though the animals were imaginary to the people in the 17th century. While dragons and tigers are usually associated as sacred and ferocious, in this painting, both animals have rather amusing expressions. The tigers appear to glare at the dragon with cat-like eyes, and the look on the swirling dragon’s face appears almost affectionate - lending a playful flair to an otherwise magnificent theme. The tiger and dragon are cosmological symbols of the balancing forces in the world. Screens such as this were originally meant to express the fluctuating nature of the world. For Japanese in the early Edo period, they likely suggested the powers of the cosmos. In Japan the tiger and dragon motif was originally absorbed into the circles of Zen monasteries before spreading into the secular world. The theme especially appealed to the military classes with the Kano school, the official painters to the Shogun and the samurai, being the leading contributors. The painter of this pair of screens, Kaiho Yusetsu (1598-1677), was closely patronized by the third Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. In his later years he worked with Kano school artists...

Birds & flowers of the seasons Pheasants & plum in snow Unframed painting. Ink, pigment and gofun on silk Kano Chikanobu 1819-1888 Signature...

Birds & Flowers of the seasons Pheasants & Plum in Snow Unframed painting. Ink, pigment and gofun on silk Kano Chikanobu 1819-1888 Signature...

Late Edo period 19th century Japanese six-panel landscape screen featuring a cypress tree over a flowering hibiscus with a pair of hototogisu birds. Kano school painted with ink and ...

Antique Japanese Suibokuga Landscape by Kano Tokinobu, 17th century. A sumi-e ink on paper painting illustrating a rocky seaside landscape containing buildings, vegetation and ship masts. The painting with 3 vermillion seals of the artist in the lower left corner. Japanese dry mount paper on a wood frame with thin brocade border silver leafed surround and lacquered wood outer frame. Condition: Lighter discoloration near the bottom of the painting, various paper restorations, other minor signs of age, wear, stains, otherwise fine condition. Age: Painting Edo Period, circa 1670. Mounting circa 1985. Image: 51-1/2 in. x 20-1/2 in. (131cm x 52cm) Frame: 59-1/4 in. x 25-1/4 in. (150cm x 64cm) Weight: 6 lbs. Provenance: with Honeychurch Antiques...

Antique Japanese Suibokuga Landscape by Kano Tokinobu. 17th century. A sumi-e ink on paper painting illustrating an ethereal mountainous landscape at the seashore containing buildings, trees, birds and ship masts. 3 vermillion seals of the artist in the lower right hand corner. Japanese dry mount paper on a wood frame with thin brocade border silver leafed surround and lacquered wood outer frame. Condition: Minor signs of age, wear, otherwise fine condition. Age: Painting Edo Period, circa 1670. Mounting circa 1985. Image: 51-1/2 in. x 20-1/2 in. (131cm x 52cm) Frame: 59-1/4 in. x 25-1/4 in. (150cm x 64cm) Weight: 6 lbs. Provenance: with Honeychurch Antiques...

Antique Japanese Suibokuga Egrets by Kano Tokinobu, 17th century. A sumi-e ink on paper painting illustrating two egrets in reserve with no outlines contrasting with the reeds from the marsh in the background. The painting with 3 vermillion seals of the artist in the lower left corner. Japanese dry mount paper on a wood frame with thin brocade border silver leafed surround and lacquered wood outer frame. Condition: Lighter discoloration on the lower portion of the painting, other minor signs of age, wear, stains and repairs otherwise fine condition. Age: Painting Edo Period, circa 1670. Mounting circa 1985. Image: 51-1/2 in. x 20-1/2 in. (131cm x 52cm) Frame 59-1/4 in. x 25-1/4 in. (150cm x 64cm) Weight: 6 lbs. Provenance: with Honeychurch Antiques...