Artwork
Crow on a Pomegranate
Crow on a Pomegranate is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1536 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a solitary black crow perched on a branch beside a partially opened pomegranate.
About this work
History & Provenance
The painting Crow on a Pomegranate, dated to 1536 and attributed to an unknown artist, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland.
Crow on a Pomegranate dates to 1536 and was made in Japan. The painting is held in the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under the accession number 1974.30, indicating that it entered that collection in 1974. No earlier ownership history, commission details, or intermediate provenance is documented in the available sources.
The painting Crow on a Pomegranate, dated to 1536 and attributed to an unknown artist, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland. The work entered the museum's holdings under the accession number 1974.30. It is identified as a Japanese painting within the institution's records.
No specific exhibition history is documented in the provided sources.
Overview
The work presents a solitary black crow perched on a branch beside a partially opened pomegranate. The bird looks to the left, its wings hinted at with a slight spread, while the fruit displays its interior seeds. A plain, light‑toned background isolates the two subjects, emphasizing their forms without decorative distraction.
Subject & Meaning
The juxtaposition of a crow, a traditional symbol of mystery or omen, and a pomegranate, often associated with fertility and abundance, invites contemplation of contrasting themes such as death and rebirth. The open fruit exposing its seeds may suggest revelation or the inner life hidden within the external world.
Technique & Style
Rendered with ink, the artist employs concise, confident strokes to convey texture. The crow’s plumage is suggested through layered lines that give a three‑dimensional impression, while the pomegranate’s seeds are indicated by rapid, precise marks that capture their density. The minimal background underscores the economy of line characteristic of the piece.
Artist & collection
