Blackbird on Wave-Swept Rock 1615 - 1868

"Blackbird on Wave-Swept Rock" is a hanging scroll painting from the Kano School, an influential artistic lineage in Japan, dating back to the 16th century. Created sometime between 1615 and 1868, the artwork depicts a blackbird perched on a rock amidst a stylized wave. The artist utilizes a minimalist, expressive style that emphasizes the bird's powerful presence with bold, black brushstrokes against a pale, washed background. This painting, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases the Kano School's mastery of ink and brushwork, highlighting the beauty and dynamism of nature.