Fish and Lotus 1613 - 1685

"Fish and Lotus," painted by Kano Yasunobu, is a delicate and masterful example of Japanese *literati* painting. This hanging scroll, completed between 1613 and 1685, depicts a single carp swimming amongst lotus stalks in a minimalist style, emphasizing brushwork and ink washes. The artist, a leading figure in the Kano school, employs a loose and expressive line to capture the movement of the fish, while subtle washes of ink create depth and texture. The simplicity of the composition reflects the Zen Buddhist aesthetics valued by literati artists of the time.