8

Dragons and Clouds

Kaiho Yusho

Dragons and Clouds exhibition

Dragons and Clouds

High-resolution facsimiles

Material
printed on washi paper
Period of creation
Tsuzuri Project
Stage 2 2008–2009
Stage 4 2010–2011
Recipient
Kenninji Temple

Original

Cultural property designation
Important Cultural Property
Artist
Kaiho Yusho
Historical era
Azuchi-Momoyama (16th century)
Material
ink on washi paper
Medium
Eight sliding doors
Size
The west side four sliding doors: each H198.0 × W187.0 cm
The north side four sliding doors: each H186.0 × W133.0 cm
Collection
Kenninji Temple

Description

When it comes to prominent painters during the Momoyama era, Kano school painters Eitoku and Sanraku quickly come to mind. However, it was Kaiho Yusho that would make a name for himself and leave a tremendous impact on the history of modern door and screen painting. The 50 panels painted inside the abbot‘s chamber at Kenninji became a lifetime monumental work for Yusho, and for the art. Eight of these panels focus on the dragon and clouds. Dragon and clouds were painted often, as were tigers, during the Muromachi era. Over the span of this panoramic screen, the dragon occupies an affirmative position. Contrasting techniques are employed in this work. The clouds are painted using only varying shades of gray, with no outlines. More liberal strokes are used to render the dragon. Yusho's skilled artistry expresses the weight of the picture's significance -- dragons are revered with deity for their legendary elusiveness from fire and calamities.

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How the Works Are Created

How the Works Are Created

This section introduces the production process of high resolution facsimiles by combining Canon’s latest imaging technology and the authentic craftsmanship of Kyoto in the Tsuzuri Project.

About the Tsuzuri Project

About the Tsuzuri Project

This section shares the significance and passion behind the Tsuzuri Project and how we utilize the high resolution facsimiles of precious cultural assets, which are designated as national treasures and important cultural assets, and Japanese artworks that have left Japan.