- Shiki Kacho -zu (Flowers and Birds of the Four Seasons) -

The serene woodblock print Shiki Kacho-zu (Flowers and Birds of the Four Seasons) is by Motonobu Kano (1476–1559), a renowned Japanese Nihon-ga painter of the Kano school. This large-format print is executed in the sumi-e style with a limited palette, giving the designs an elegant and refined quality. The original work was painted as forty-nine sliding-door panels forming a single grand scene in Reiun-in of Myoshin-ji Temple in Kyoto during the Edo period. It has been designated a national treasure and is revered as a true masterpiece. This print was published by Tansei-sha in 1983. The publisher’s seal, the printer’s name “Mitsuo Hashizume,” and the carver’s name “Sadao Uetani” appear in the left margin. It is accompanied by the original explanatory paper (Japanese only, no English). Technique: WoodblockPrint size: 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall (40.5 x 51 cm)Image size: 14 and 1/8 by 17 and 7/8 inches (36 x 45.5 cm) Sheet number: N/ADate: Originally from Edo, this work was produced