Who painted Birds and Flowers?

Birds and Flowers was painted by Kanō Mitsunobu in 1566-01-01.

Where can I see Birds and Flowers?

Birds and Flowers is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Birds and Flowers?

Birds and Flowers is associated with Kanō school.

Artwork

Birds and Flowers

Kanō Mitsunobu , 1566

Birds and Flowers is an unspecified painting by the Kanō school artist Kanō Mitsunobu. It dates from 1566 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a symbolic pairing of birds and blossoms, a motif rooted in East Asian visual culture that conveys themes of transience and auspicious renewal. In this work the avian figures and flowering plants are rendered with delicate precision, reflecting the Kanō school’s emphasis on natural harmony and spiritual resonance. The imagery functions as an emblem of seasonal change and good fortune, aligning with contemporary interpretations of avian and floral iconography in 16th‑century Japanese art.

History & Provenance

The painting Birds and Flowers by Kanō Mitsunobu is housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under the accession number 1948.128. It has been part of the museum’s collection since at least 1948, with its creation dated to 1566. The work has not been recorded in any major exhibition history according to the available documentation.

Overview

Created in 1566 by Kanō Mitsunobu, a leading figure of the Kanō school, this painting exemplifies the Japanese bird‑and‑flower genre. Executed on silk, it presents a tranquil garden scene where birds rest among rocks, branches, and blossoms, set against a warm, golden backdrop. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.

Technique & Style

Mitsunobu employs the Kanō school’s characteristic bold outlines and flat color fields, using simple, flowing lines to define forms. The palette favors muted greens, earthy browns, and a subtle golden wash, creating a balanced, serene visual rhythm typical of kachō‑ga paintings.

Context

Bird‑and‑flower painting held symbolic significance in Japanese art, often conveying seasonal change and poetic sentiment. Within the Kanō tradition, such subjects were rendered with an emphasis on decorative elegance, aligning with the tastes of elite patrons who favored refined yet striking visual statements.