Late 17th Century Kano School Peony Landscape 6-Panel Screen, Signed by Kano Chikanobu (Shushin)

This magnificent 6-panel screen, dating to the late 17th century, features an exquisite peony landscape rendered in the classic style of the Kano school. The screen is signed Hogan Josen Fujiwara Chikanobu Hitsu – identifying them as works by Kano Chikanobu (Shushin), one of the most celebrated artists of the Kano school.

The peony landscape depicted in the screen is a stunning example of the Kano school’s characteristic combination of elegant naturalism and decorative appeal. The peonies, often symbolizing wealth and prosperity in Japanese culture, are beautifully painted in vibrant colours, set against a soft, gold-leaf background that adds depth and luminosity to the composition. The delicate brushwork and subtle shading demonstrate Chikanobu’s exceptional mastery of the medium.

The grand scale and intricate detail of this screen makes it a striking addition to any collection of Japanese Edo-period art.

Materials:

• Ink and pigment on gold leaf

Dimensions:

• Height: 150 cm
• Width: 370 cm

Artist Biography – Kano Chikanobu (Shushin) (1660-1728):

Kano Chikanobu was born in Musashi Province as the eldest son of Kano Tsunenobu, one of the prominent painters in the Kano school. Chikanobu’s early education in the family studio allowed him to hone his craft, and by 1678, he entered the service of the shogunate. Working with his father at Edo Castle in 1681, Chikanobu developed his skills in producing decorative and ceremonial paintings for the shogunate.

In 1713, he succeeded his father as the third-generation head of the Kobikicho branch of the Kano school, where his works gained widespread recognition. He later received the honorary title of Hogen, and in the same year, he painted a screen presented to a Korean emissary. His works are housed in prestigious institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), and the Tokyo National Museum.