Portrait of Lady 1867 - 1893

Kano Tanbi's "Portrait of a Lady" was created in Japan during the late 19th century using ink and color on silk. This delicate hanging scroll exemplifies the refined techniques and materials of traditional Japanese painting. The subdued palette and soft gradations of ink, achieved through careful brushwork on absorbent silk, lend the portrait an ethereal quality. But the image is not just about aesthetics. The artist has employed distinct ways of image-making, from the preparation of the silk to the grinding of the ink, to communicate social values. Tanbi has engaged with a skilled tradition of ink-wash painting. This emphasizes not only technical mastery, but also a deep understanding of the natural world and its representation. The very act of creating this portrait reflects an engagement with cultural and historical practices that go beyond mere image-making. It involves a dedication to craft, and the slow, deliberate process elevates the artwork beyond the conventional boundaries between fine art and craft.