Cranes 1615 - 1868

This black and white woodblock print by the Japanese artist Hishikawa Moronobu depicts three cranes in a landscape setting. The elegant and detailed drawing of the cranes, bamboo stalks, and water patterns conveys a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. "Cranes" dates from the 1600s, a time when woodblock prints, known as ukiyo-e, were gaining popularity in Japan. This print exemplifies Moronobu's mastery of the technique and his interest in capturing the essence of nature. The image, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the artistic style of this influential figure in Japanese art history.