Sparrows and Bamboo c. early 18th century

Ohara Keizan's "Sparrows and Bamboo" from the early 18th century, depicts a delicate scene of sparrows perched upon a stand of bamboo. The painting is a quintessential example of the *kachō-ga* genre of Japanese art, which focuses on the depiction of birds and flowers. The artist's meticulous brushwork captures the intricate details of the bamboo stalks and the lively movement of the sparrows, creating a sense of tranquility and harmony. This work, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, exemplifies the beauty and sophistication of Japanese painting.