Artwork
Landscape with Waterfall
Landscape with Waterfall is an unspecified painting by the Kanō school artist Kano Shigenobu. It dates from 1674 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1674, this work by Kano Shigenobu presents a tranquil natural scene centered on a waterfall descending a rugged cliff. The composition balances rock, water, and surrounding foliage, rendered in a restrained palette of browns and greens that convey a calm, contemplative atmosphere. The painting is part of the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a secluded waterfall set within a mountainous landscape, framed by trees that suggest a remote, untouched environment. The emphasis on natural elements reflects the Edo‑period aesthetic of harmony between humanity and nature, inviting viewers to contemplate the quiet power of water and the enduring solidity of stone.
Technique & Style
Shigenobu employs delicate brushwork to suggest the texture of rock surfaces and the gentle movement of water, using subtle gradations of tone to model light and shadow. The muted chromatic scheme, typical of the Kano school, prioritizes atmospheric depth over vivid coloration, achieving a sense of spatial recession through layered foliage and mist.
History & Provenance
The painting was completed in the late seventeenth century and has remained in the public domain since its acquisition by the Art Institute of Chicago. Its provenance traces back to Japanese collections before entering the museum’s holdings, where it serves as a representative example of Kano school landscape painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Kano Shigenobu painted ink landscapes and figures in 17th-century Japan. His brush traced scenes like The Poet Du Fu Riding a Donkey and ink scrolls such as Landscape with Waterfall. Look for his crane-and-scholar…
