Sparrow and Bamboo 17th - 18th century

Kano Tan'yū's "Sparrow and Bamboo" (17th-18th century) is a hanging scroll, a popular format in Japanese art, showcasing the artist's mastery of ink wash painting. The minimalist composition highlights the delicate form of a sparrow in flight against a single bamboo stalk, rendered with flowing, confident brushstrokes. This simple yet powerful image exemplifies the *sumi-e* technique, emphasizing the beauty of nature and the artist's skill in capturing its essence. The scroll's rich, textured borders add visual interest and complement the elegant simplicity of the main image.