Rare Kano Kagenobu Sumi-e Silk Scroll, 17th c.

Antiques > Orientalia Dealer: Cicada Asian Art and Antiquities Contact: Steve Dong - Email Dealer
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Description: An exquisite Japanese Sumi-e (ink painting) on Silk scroll signed Kano Hakuen. Dimensions are 78" long, 14-3/4" wide. With examination of style of painting, qualities of the silk fabric, and sigature. We attribute this painting to Kano Kagenobu, ca.1642-1723. One of Kagenobu's "go" (artist name used) is Kano Hakuen, as the go is on this painting. The signature reads "Kano Hakuen, picture painted by". Kagenobu (Kano) was a Kano painter. Son and pupil of Kano Yueiki. He was a member of the school. He was employed either by the Tokugawa shogunate or lord of Kaga.

Kano family of artists painted in classically unique styles developed in during the 15th through the 19th century. For seven generations, more than 200 years, the leading Japanese artists came from this family, and the "official" style remained in their hands for another century or more. Throughout their history the family served military masters, and the lofty and moral symbolism of the Kano tradition was at the same time the political ideal.

This masterpiece depiction shows a seated tiger bracing himself in a rain shower. His eyes are wide and extremely alert. His body postured as if irritated by the rain and ready to strike. Animals of prey are often themes painted for samurai or official class. The fine and broad (large) brushwork is very loose and yet deliberate. This shows a highly developed, skillfull eye and hand coordination. Large brush painting, as it is often referred, is among the most difficult skills any painter can learn to master. Few ever truly do.

The scroll's is in remarkable condition. The silk painting has a streaky, golden patina. There is absolutely no creasing. There are 2 small separation at the lower portion of the scroll. There is a very faint, old water stain near the top of the scroll. Both of these (minor stain and separation) are common and can be expected on silk paintings of this age. This painting is in far better condition than most from this period. The high quality silk brocade mounting may be a later 18th/19th century remount. There are some, very tiny wormage along the very edges of the silk brocade mounting. The scroll ends are bone.

Overall Condition consensus is extremely fine, museum quality. The scroll painting is in the original condition without restoration. Though, as noted, the scroll may have been remounted during the 18th/19th c.

Note: There are attributed Kano Kagenobu paintings on exhibit.

Note: As quoted in "A Dictionary of Japanese Artists," by Laurance E. Roberts, ca.1976 (digital reprinted 2000): Museum (3), National (3), Victoria. I assume this means 3 are known in international museums, 3 are in the National Museum of Japan, and 1 is known at the Queen Victoria Museum, Australia.

Status: For Sale	Reference#: 1900
Condition: Extremely Fine	Year: ca.1642-1723
Country: Japan	Maker: Kano Kagenobu (Hakuen)
Height: 78 in. (198.12 cm)
Width: 14.75 in. (37.47 cm)

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