Artwork
Peacocks and Bamboo
Peacocks and Bamboo is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1595 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a pair of peacocks situated within a bamboo grove.
About this work
History & Provenance
The painting Peacocks and Bamboo is dated to 1589 and is attributed to Tosa Mitsuyoshi, a Japanese artist active in the late sixteenth century.
The painting Peacocks and Bamboo is dated to 1589 and is attributed to Tosa Mitsuyoshi, a Japanese artist active in the late sixteenth century.
It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1986 as accession number 1986.2.2. The work’s place of creation is recorded as Japan.
The painting Peacocks and Bamboo, dated 1589, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland. The work is cataloged under the accession number 1986.2.2. While the piece is attributed to the Japanese artist Tosa Mitsuyoshi, it is also noted in some records simply as by an unknown artist.
The museum lists its location within the institution's holdings, though no specific exhibition history is detailed in the provided sources.
Context
The painting Peacocks and Bamboo, dated 1589 and attributed to an anonymous hand, was created in Japan during the late Muromachi period. It depicts stylized peacocks amid bamboo stalks, reflecting East Asian aesthetic principles of asymmetrical balance and symbolic flora. The work is housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, which identifies it as part of their collection and contextualizes it within Japanese screen painting traditions.
Overview
The work depicts a pair of peacocks situated within a bamboo grove. The birds occupy a rocky, vegetated floor, their plumage rendered in shades of blue, gold and white. Tall bamboo stalks dominate the background, their green fronds framing a pale sky that filters through the foliage.
Subject & Meaning
One peacock is captured in motion, mid‑step with its wings slightly opened, suggesting a moment of alertness or display. The companion remains stationary, facing forward, creating a contrast between activity and stillness that emphasizes the birds’ natural elegance within their habitat.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a muted palette for the surrounding landscape, allowing the vivid coloration of the peacocks to stand out. Brushwork blends earthy tones of the ground with the delicate greens of bamboo, while the birds’ feathers are detailed with fine strokes that convey iridescence without overwhelming the composition.
Artist & collection
Peacocks and Bamboo
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