Screens: Pre 1800

 Tsuruzawa Tansaku (~1797) - Cranes & Pines

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PRICE : SOLD  

ARTIST :
Kano Tanyu is the patriarch of the Kajibashi Kano School branch. He directly taught Tsuruzawa Tanzan (1655-1729), who passed on control of the branch to his son Tsuruzawa Tangei (1688-1769). Tsuruzawa Tansaku is Tangei's son and heir, and like his father and grandfather before him, was an official court painter. His date of birth is not officially known, although he died in 1797. Roberts ('A dictionary of Japanese Artists') notes that a Tansaku work is held by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Kano Tanshin (1834-1893), Tansaku's grandson, was the last head of the Kajibashi branch.

AGE :
Late 18th Century

SIZE :
Each screen stands 69.5 inches high and measures 150 inches across.

DESCRIPTION :
This is a magnificent pair of screens by the Kano School Edo era artist Tsuruzawa Tansaku. The hand beaten gold leaf is rich in both hue and texture, providing a stunning canvas for the cranes and pines. The contrast between the gold and the monochrome ink is striking. With a flowing brevity and simplicity Tansaku has spontaneously captured the essence and vitality of his subject. The painting was executed swiftly and unerringly and is punctuated by bold, angular lines. Subtle variations of the ink through changes in the water balance create a complex play of light and shade within each stroke.

TECHNIQUE :
Ink on gold leaf paper

CONDITION :
The screens have just recently been completely remounted (this is generally required once every 70 years or so). They are in very good condition and display beautifully.