Drawing Collection of Kanō Tan'yū's Screen Paintings 18th-19th century

These are drawings of screen paintings from the Kanō school, and were created by an anonymous artist. The Kanō school was the dominant style of painting from the late 15th century through the Meiji period in Japan. It reflects an aesthetic that emphasized Chinese themes and a more Japanese style that developed later. Kanō artists often worked for the shogunate, so their art reflects the power structures of the era. These drawings would likely have been a preliminary step in the design and creation of large-scale screen paintings, objects that visually reinforced the status of those who commissioned them. Notice how these drawings offer a glimpse into the artistic process, revealing the careful planning and attention to detail that went into creating these works. The use of monochrome ink underscores the simplicity and elegance valued in Japanese art. In its quiet way, this work speaks to the cultural values and artistic traditions of its time, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between art, power, and cultural identity.