Old Pine and Cherry Trees by Rocks 1590

Kanō Eitoku made this folding screen, likely in the late 16th century, using ink, color, and gold leaf on paper. The gold leaf isn't just decoration; it's integral to the work's meaning. Applying it would have been labor-intensive, requiring skilled hands to carefully adhere the delicate sheets. This shimmering surface transforms the depicted landscape into a scene of opulence, signaling wealth and power. Notice how the artist contrasted the textured bark of the old pine with the delicate cherry blossoms. These are rendered with precise brushstrokes and natural pigments. The rocks are depicted with stark ink washes, a technique rooted in the Zen tradition of monochrome painting. However, the addition of gold transforms the familiar scene. The combination of fine art techniques and laborious gilding elevates the screen beyond mere decoration. The screen challenges the traditional hierarchy that separates ‘fine art’ from ‘craft’ in the service of elite display, and asks us to consider the social context of its production and use.