Beauty 1660 - 1728

This hanging scroll, titled "Beauty", was created by Kano Chikanobu, who lived between 1660 and 1728. The ink and colour on silk work presents a serene scene dominated by soft grey tones, punctuated by the pale orb of a moon and the delicate blossoms of a cherry tree. Chikanobu masterfully divides the pictorial space. The upper section, featuring the moon and blossoms, is subtly rendered, creating a sense of depth and ethereal beauty. Below, a defined rectangular area frames the figure of a reclining woman, whose patterned kimono and elaborate hairstyle add a layer of intricate detail to the composition. The artist plays with contrasts, opposing the natural elements with the figure, the geometric with the organic. This structured approach invites a deeper contemplation on how these elements interact, creating a semiotic dialogue between nature, culture, and individual identity. This reflects a broader artistic concern of representing harmony through structured visual means.