|
Kano Eitoku (1543-1590) was a Japanese painter and founder of the Kano
school of Japanese-style painting during the Azuchi-Momoyama period of
Japanese history. Known for his elegant and unique style, many of his
existing paintings are national treasures.
Born in Kyoto, Eitoku's grandfather Kano Motonobu was an official painter
for the Ashikaga Shogunate. Under his grandfather's guidance, he started to
paint at an early age developing upon his grandfather's style which had
influence from Chinese-style painting.
During his lifetime, Eitoku's patrons included Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi
Hideyoshi. His standing screen, sliding door, wall, and ceiling paintings
decorated Nobunaga's Azuchi castle and Hideyoshi's residence in Kyoto and
Osaka castle.
Unfortunately, most of his works were ruined or destroyed in the turmoil
of the Sengoku period, however those that do still exist provide testimony
to his talent, power and wealth of his patrons Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, and
magnificence of Azuchi-Momoyama culture.
The painter Hasegawa Tohaku was a contemporary and rival of Eitoku.
|
