Artwork
Kingfisher Perched above a Stream
Kingfisher Perched above a Stream is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty landscape artist Kenkō Shōkei. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The painting Kingfisher Perched above a Stream was created by the Japanese artist Kenkō Shōkei in 1490, during his active period from 1478 to 1506.
The painting Kingfisher Perched above a Stream was created by the Japanese artist Kenkō Shōkei in 1490, during his active period from 1478 to 1506. Executed in Japan, the work depicts a tree and is classified as a painting. Its modern provenance begins with its acquisition by the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1974, recorded under accession number 1974.25, and it has remained in the museum's collection in Cleveland, Ohio, since. No earlier ownership or commission details, and no exhibition history, are documented in the available sources.
Overview
Kingfisher Perched above a Stream is a painting by Kenkō Shōkei, completed in 1490. This work, now part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art, offers a serene portrayal of a bird in its natural environment. It reflects an artistic tradition focused on capturing the subtle beauty and tranquility found in the wild.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork depicts a solitary kingfisher, perched on a bare branch that extends over a gently flowing stream. The bird's beak is slightly open, suggesting it is poised to strike at unseen prey in the water below. The scene is completed by smooth rocks in the stream bed and tall grasses along the bank, with only faint hills visible in the distant, understated background.
Technique & Style
Kenkō Shōkei utilized a minimalist approach in this painting, employing simple brushstrokes to convey the essence of the natural elements. The artist subtly rendered the movement of the grasses and the ripples on the water's surface. The composition features significant areas of unpainted space, which emphasizes the quietude and contemplative atmosphere of the natural setting.
Artist & collection
