The Kanō School is one of the most famous schools of Japanese painting. It rose to prominence in the 15th century, during the Muromachi period, when Kanō artists served the Ashikaga shoguns. To explore the revolutionary and bountiful beauty of Kanō school paintings, Nezu Museum in Japan presents an exhibition titled ‘Ink and Gold’. 

The Kanō school began by reflecting a renewed influence from Chinese painting but later developed a distinctive style fusing Japanese traditions into Chinese art. 

The Kanō school’s painting style dominated Japanese art from the 15th - 19th century. For seven generations, more than 200 years, the leading Japanese artists came from this family, and the official style remained in their hands for another century or more.

Sericulture and Weaving. Attributed to Kanō Motonobu

One of the highlighted works at the exhibition is Sericulture and Weaving by Kanō Motonobu. His father, Masanobu Motonobu, was the founder of the Kanō school. With his political connections, patronage and influence, Kanō Motonobu was considered to be the one that greatly shaped the Kanō Schoo into what it is today.

Owl and Rooster by Kanō Sansetsu

The exhibition will be on display until 12 February, showcasing 24 pieces of paintings of the Kanō School. For visitors who plan on going to the exhibition, please take note that the museum is closed every Monday, except on 12 February.

Ink and Gold: Paintings of the Kanō School

Dates: 2018/1/10 - 2/12 (Closed on Mondays, except 12 February )
Time: 10am - 5pm
Venue: Nezu Museum
Admission fees:
Adults｜JPY 1,100
Students｜JPY 800

Nezu Museum

Address: 6 Chome-5-1 Minamiaoyama, Minato, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
Enquiries: 03-3400-2536