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Slides 4 and 5
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Kano Tanyu (1602–1674)
Mount Fuji and The Shore at the Pine Forest of Miho
Dated 1666
Pair of six–fold screens; ink, colors, and gold on paper
65 7/16 x 144 1/4 inch each screen
The Avery Brundage Collection, B63 D7A+ (left), B63 D7B+ (right)
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Who was the artist?
Kano Tanyu was a prolific and important member of the great Kano school of painters.
Established by Kano Masanobu (1434–1530), the Kano artists traditionally served elite
patrons from the imperial family and the shogunate. They were perhaps Japan’s most influential
school of painting, since most artists who underwent traditional training began their
studies with a Kano master. They are associated with kanga or “Chinese painting” style,
although Tanyu was known for his mastery of various styles. This painting, compared with
Nanga paintings in this packet appears to be more yamato-e (Japanese) than kanga (Chinese)
in style. Painting styles are discussed in the Artists and Patrons section, and distinctions
between Japanese and Chinese styles will be explored further in Activity 2.
Tanyu was recognized as a great painter in his day. At the young age of 16, he was already a
Asian Art Museum Education Department