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Family of Monkeys by Kanō Tanshin

Kanō Tanshin · 1683-01-01

Kanō Tanshin, a leader of the prestigious Kanō school of painting, broke with tradition by incorporating naturalistic elements into his work, as seen in "Family of Monkeys" (1692), now at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Notice the lively and natural depiction of the monkeys, from the tender mother and infant to the playful ones hanging from branches. Tanshin's focus on observation brought a fresh vitality to his art.

Despite leading a traditional school, Tanshin's willingness to depart from its imitative style earned him praise, even from critics like Hanabusa Itchō. Itchō, an anti-Kanō school artist, commended Tanshin for his unique talent and ability to capture the "spirit of the bamboo" by using nature as his model.

This embrace of nature, even within established artistic frameworks, defined Tanshin's distinct contribution to Japanese painting.

Details

But he broke with tradition, looking to nature instead.
But he broke with tradition, looking to nature instead.
They said he captured the true spirit of the bamboo.
They said he captured the true spirit of the bamboo.
And that is how he became a true artist.
And that is how he became a true artist.
Transcript

This painter was the leader of a prestigious art school. But he broke with tradition, looking to nature instead. His rivals noticed his fresh approach to painting animals. Even a famously anti-school artist praised his talent. They said he captured the true spirit of the bamboo. And that is how he became a true artist.