Flying Celestial c. 17th century

"Flying Celestial" (c. 17th century) is a hanging scroll by the Japanese artist Kiyohara Yukinobu (1643-1682). It depicts a female celestial figure gracefully floating among wispy clouds, with flowing green ribbons extending from her garments. This artwork showcases Yukinobu's masterful use of ink and color to capture the ethereal and delicate nature of the celestial realm. The scroll is a prime example of the *Kano* school, characterized by its detailed rendering and use of vibrant colors. The *Kano* school was a major force in Japanese art from the 15th to the 19th centuries and helped shape the visual language of Japanese paintings. *Flying Celestial* is a striking example of *Kano* style painting, and its masterful execution and mystical subject matter make it a captivating work of art.