Swallow 1636 - 1713

This is a hanging scroll painting of a swallow on a lotus plant, made with ink and color on silk by Kano Tsunenobu in Japan during the Edo period. Tsunenobu was a prominent member of the Kano school, which served the shogunate with their art. During the Edo period, there was a rigid social hierarchy, and art often reflected the values of the ruling samurai class. Consider how the natural world was often used symbolically. Here, the swallow, a migratory bird, might represent adaptability and freedom, while the lotus, emerging from muddy waters, embodies purity and enlightenment. Imagine the artist carefully applying ink to silk, seeking to capture not just the appearance of the swallow, but also its spirit. How does the painting evoke a sense of serenity or contemplation? How does it speak to the delicate balance between nature and culture, freedom and constraint? As you reflect on this image, consider how it speaks to both personal experience and broader social values.