Cranes 1750 - 1770

"Cranes" is a two-panel hanging scroll by Soga Shōhaku (1730-1781) dating to 1750-1770. This artwork depicts two cranes, one standing in a field with a few trees and the other standing near a bamboo stalk, a detail associated with longevity in Chinese and Japanese art. The delicate use of ink wash evokes a sense of calm and tranquility, reflecting the graceful nature of the birds. The painting's realistic depiction of the cranes and their natural environment showcases Shōhaku's mastery of the *Nanga* style, characterized by its emphasis on subtle brushwork and natural imagery. Today, the scroll hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.