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狩野常信筆　燕子花に鴛鴦図|Mandarin Ducks and Iris by Kano Tsunenobu

Kano Tsunenobu · 17th–18th century

Kano Tsunenobu's *Mandarin Ducks and Iris*, painted in 1674, is a hanging scroll rendered with ink and color on silk, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The artist's mastery of delicate brushwork transforms simple materials into a tranquil scene.

Notice the subtle sheen of the aged silk, which gives the colors a gentle glow. The water, for instance, is depicted with just a few strokes, yet convincingly conveys ripples and movement through its suggestive quality.

This same delicate approach is evident in the mandarin duck's plumage, where light touches create soft, lifelike textures. Such careful technique allows forms to appear diffused and colors to blend gently, enhancing the serene atmosphere of this natural tableau.

How does this subtle painting style bring the scene to life for you?

Details

See how the silk makes the colors glow.
See how the silk makes the colors glow.
The water here is just a few brushstrokes.
The water here is just a few brushstrokes.
Look at the duck's feathers, painted with light touches.
Look at the duck's feathers, painted with light touches.
This duck's more concealed position hints at a sense of intimacy or shared privacy.
This duck's more concealed position hints at a sense of intimacy or shared privacy.
The strong vertical lines of the leaves create a sense of depth and natural growth.
The strong vertical lines of the leaves create a sense of depth and natural growth.
Transcript

This painting is ink and color on silk. See how the silk makes the colors glow. The water here is just a few brushstrokes. But they perfectly suggest ripples and movement. Look at the duck's feathers, painted with light touches. This delicate technique creates soft, lifelike textures.