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Kano School Scene from
Chinese Court
possibly
eighteenth century
ink, colours
and gold-leafed paper on paper with brocade border
two-fold
screen
Chinese
thought and belief have had a pervasive influence on Japanese
culture. Prominent among these were Buddhism, the Chinese writing
system, political and educational systems, and styles in
architectural design, sculpture and painting. In painting Japanese
artists looked to Chinese techniques and subjects for inspiration
often transforming these continental forms to suit Japanese
indigenous taste. Of the numerous waves of Chinese influence
absorbed into Japanese painting those that formed the Kanō school
are of particular note because of this school’s prominence from the
sixteenth century onwards. Based upon Chinese methods and themes
the Kanō artists created a painting style that emphasised
decorative elements such as bold colouration and stylised gold
clouds. As screen paintings these works beautified the interiors of
the buildings of powerful rulers and as such stood as symbols of
power. In these paintings views of the Chinese court played an
important role in representing the benevolent
ruler.
In this
screen an idealised view of what is most probably a Chinese emperor
or elevated personage seated in a tiled palace is depicted being
paid respect by visiting dignitaries. The palatial setting with its
richly detailed garden has allowed the Kanō artist the freedom to
create a sumptuous field of gold, green and red. Simultaneously,
the subject of showing reverence to what can, in this painting, be
perceived as a righteous leader helped to enforce Confucian values
that helped to legitimize military rule in Japan. Such subjects,
known as "Illustrated Mirror of Emperors" (teikan-zu),were a
specialty of Kanō artists.
Dr Gary Hickey, Melbourne
University 2008
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