Two Crows late 18th - early 19th century

"Two Crows" is a painting by the Japanese artist Matsumura Goshun (1752-1811) in the style of *Nanga* (literati painting), known for its elegant and expressive brushwork. The piece depicts two crows perched among stylized branches, conveying a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. The artist's use of ink wash creates a subtle and atmospheric depiction of the birds against a backdrop of pale brown silk. The artwork, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases the artist's mastery of the *Nanga* style, highlighting the aesthetic principles of *sumi-e* (ink painting) and *yōga* (Western-style painting).