A Gathering of Cranes c. early 18th century

"A Gathering of Cranes" was likely made by an artist from the Kano School using ink, color and gold leaf on paper. The materiality of this piece speaks to the ways in which nature and culture, art and craft, were deeply intertwined in pre-modern Japan. The artist's use of gold leaf lends a shimmering, ethereal quality to the scene, while the meticulous brushwork brings the cranes and landscape elements to life. This combination of techniques is also a means of production. Decorative folding screens like this one were often made by workshops, with different artisans responsible for preparing the paper, applying the gold leaf, and executing the painting. In this sense, "A Gathering of Cranes" reflects not just an aesthetic vision, but also a social division of labor. By attending to the materials, processes, and social context of this artwork, we can move beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.