Landscape in the Blue-and-Green Manner 1700 - 1749

"Landscape in the Blue-and-Green Manner" was created in the 18th century by Yanagisawa Kien using ink and color on silk. Kien was a member of the samurai class and a scholar who was deeply involved in the artistic and intellectual circles of his time. The "blue-and-green manner" references a painting style that gained prominence during the Tang dynasty. As a Japanese artist working within a Chinese style, Kien was participating in a complex dialogue about cultural exchange, national identity, and artistic tradition. In traditional landscapes, idealised nature often symbolizes social harmony and moral order. Kien’s landscape embodies this sense of harmony. However, his choice of an ancient Chinese style also invites us to consider the complexities of cultural identity and artistic innovation. The painting offers a space for contemplating the artist's identity and the historical ties that bind different cultures.