Artwork
西王母図|Queen Mother of the West
西王母図|Queen Mother of the West is an ink painting by the Kanō school artist Kano Osanobu. It dates from 1823 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 36.100.99
About this work
Technique & Style
The vertical format of the scroll emphasizes the standing or seated presence of the divine figure, creating a focused devotional object intended for display.
Executed in 1823, this hanging scroll depicts the Queen Mother of the West using ink and mineral colors applied to a silk support. The work measures approximately 101 cm in height and 37.8 cm in width. Stylistically, the piece functions as a religious image centered on a female deity, adhering to the conventions of Japanese painting from the Edo period.
The combination of ink washes with opaque colors on the woven silk surface allows for both linear definition and areas of flat or modulated tone, characteristic of the Kano school's approach to figural representation. The vertical format of the scroll emphasizes the standing or seated presence of the divine figure, creating a focused devotional object intended for display.
History & Provenance
Created in 1823 in Japan, this hanging scroll depicts the Queen Mother of the West. The work is attributed to the artist Kano Osanobu, though some records identify the creator as Kanō Akinobu. Executed in ink and color on silk, the painting measures approximately 101 cm in height and 37.8 cm in width.
The piece currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which serves as its known location. No specific details regarding the original commission, earlier ownership chains, or the precise circumstances of its creation beyond the year of inception are provided in the available records.
Overview
Kano Osanobu's 1823 hanging scroll, titled Queen Mother of the West, is an example of religious painting. Executed with ink and color on silk, this artwork portrays a significant deity from East Asian mythology. The piece reflects a common subject within Japanese art, demonstrating the enduring influence of Chinese legends on local artistic traditions, and was created by a prominent artist of the Kano school.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features the Queen Mother of the West, a revered goddess in ancient Chinese narratives, depicted seated upon a cloud. She is attended by auspicious creatures such as cranes and peacocks, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. The deity holds a staff and a peach, both traditional emblems associated with extended life and immortality in Chinese mythology, underscoring her divine power.
Artist & collection
