Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers c. 17th century

Kano Tan'yū created this page from an album, "Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers," using ink and color on paper. It forms part of a tradition with deep roots in Chinese culture. The "Eight Views" is a popular theme in East Asian art, originating from the Xiao and Xiang rivers in Hunan province, China. The theme was first introduced to Japan during the Muromachi period and became widely adopted by Japanese artists, often with Japanese landscapes standing in for the Chinese ones. Tan'yū, as a prominent member of the Kano school, would have been well-versed in this tradition. The Kano school was closely associated with the ruling elite, producing art that often reflected the values and tastes of the shogunate. Understanding this work requires knowing the conventions of the Kano school and how it adapted Chinese themes to reflect Japanese tastes and social values. This involves looking into historical texts, artistic treatises, and the social history of the Kano school itself.