Painting with ink on silk. Japan, 17th cent.
Completely central here is the Buddhist bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, in China called Guanyin, in Japan Kannon or also Kanzeon 觀 世 音, as noted on the box. Originally more masculine, he became a feminine deity in Eastern Asia, especially in Japan worshipped in many different forms. In this composition Kannon sits with legs crossed in front of a steep crag and the huge full moon behind. A dynamic and confident brush painted the falling pleats of the garments including head scarf. Right below, the signature TAN-YU hitsu 探 幽 筆 and red seal. Kano Tanyu was a successful painter of the Kano School and received in 1638 the honorary title Hogen. Beautiful brocade mounting partly with gold threads, the rollers of ivory, very good condition. Two Japanese expertise. In wooden casket displaying the name Kanzeon, as well as the aforementioned signature.
PICTURE 94,7 x 34,5 CM, SCROLL 180 x 48,3 CM
From a German collection