Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers by Kano Tan'yū

Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers 1663

natural stone pattern

wood texture

abstract painting

water colours

light earthy tone

japan

handmade artwork painting

earthy tone

wooden texture

watercolour bleed

watercolor

This six-panel screen by Kano Tan'yū depicts eight views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers, a popular subject in Chinese art. Completed in 1663, it demonstrates the artist's mastery of the literati style of painting, characterized by its elegant brushwork and emphasis on landscape. The screen is divided into eight sections, each showcasing a different scene along the rivers. Its delicate washes of ink and light colors create a serene and atmospheric effect, conveying a sense of tranquility and the beauty of nature. The screen is a masterpiece of Japanese art, showcasing the artist's skill and the influence of Chinese aesthetics.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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At the top center of each panel are vertical rectangles drawn in, as if they are incomplete and should have been filled in with poems. From left to right, panel one: "Evening Snow over the River", Landscape with huts at lower left corner, peaks around the center.Panel two: "Night Rain over the Xiao and Xing", The end of the landscape from the bottom corner of panel one slightly extends to the left edge of panel two. Otherwise, a cluster of land formations around center, painted in a manner indicating distance.Panel three: "Autumn Moon over Lake Dong Ting", The cluster of land formations from panel two continues to panel three. This continuation is around the center left of the panel.Panel Four: "Geese Alighting on a Sandbank", Landscape at the lower right corner featuring one tree prominantly, and at bottom. Horizontal lines around center of panel indicating landscape in the far distance.Panel Five: "Evening Glow over a Fishing Village", Landscape from panel four continues to lower left corner of this panel. Prominent feature is a hut. Horizontal lines and areas of wash indicating landscapes in the distant background around center of panel.Panel Six:"Returning Sails from Distant Shores", It becomes clear that there is water around the landscapes as there are two boats with sails on this panel. At the lower right corner are rock formations, then a boat slightly above. Another boat to the far left, towards the left edge of the panel. This boat is drawn slightly smaller indicating that it is farther away from the viewer. Landscape in the back or at bottom half of top half.Panel Seven: "Evening Bell from a Distant Temple", The landscape from top half of panel six continues along left edge of this panel. Atop this landscape is a multi-storied pagoda, some mist to the bottom of it, then a waterfall which falls almost parallel to the left edge of screen. Slight landscape at bottom left corner, continuing from panel six. At lower right corner are angular rocks and some foliage.Panel Eight: "Morning