Quail and Millet

"Quail and Millet" was painted by Kiyohara Yukinobu in the late 17th century. Yukinobu, one of the few known female painters of the Kano school, made this hanging scroll with ink and color on silk. During the Edo period, when Yukinobu was painting, women artists often faced limited opportunities. This painting reflects her unique position as a woman in a male-dominated art world, navigating both traditional artistic styles and her personal perspective. In this scene, the gentle depiction of quails amidst millet stalks evokes a sense of quiet harmony, inviting contemplation. It is a moment of stillness, a pause, that offers a serene alternative to the heroic and masculine themes often found in the artistic conventions of her time. Yukinobu's work provides a glimpse into her identity and stands as a testament to the artistic contributions of women who, like Yukinobu, navigated the complex currents of their era.