Kano Takanobu, a Japanese painter of the Kanō school, was born in 1571 and died in 1618. He was the father of Kanō Tan'yū, one of the most prominent painters of the school. Takanobu was born in Kyoto on the 25th day of the 11th month of the 2nd year of Genki. He was the youngest son of the Kanō school head painter Kanō Eitoku and younger brother of Kanō Mitsunobu.

Artistic Career

Takanobu remained in Kyoto, where the commissions he received indicate he was a favorite of the court. He conceived and oversaw the painting to be done for the new palace of Emperor Go-Mizunoo, work which was finished in 1614 with Takanobu applying the final touches to many of the sliding panels there and in surrounding buildings. The twenty panels depicting thirty-two Chinese sages in the throne room of the shishin-den are attributed to Takanobu. These panels are some of the few works of Takanobu to have survived, and are the oldest surviving paintings from the shishin-den.

Style and Influence

Takanobu's style was characterized by strong outlines, bold colors, and extensive use of gold leaf, creating a visual impact that was both impressive and luxurious. His work was influenced by the Chinese tradition of literati painting by scholar-bureaucrats, but the Kanō painters were firmly professional artists who received a formal workshop training in the family workshop. They worked mainly for the nobility, shoguns, and emperors, covering a wide range of styles, subjects, and formats. Kanō school became the dominant style of painting from the late 15th century until the Meiji period, effectively representing an official style of art. Takanobu's work can be seen as a prime example of this style, with his use of bold colors and gold leaf creating a sense of luxury and grandeur.

Notable Works

Some of Takanobu's notable works include Meeting between Emperor Wen and Fisherman Lü Shang, a painting that showcases his skill in depicting historical scenes. This painting can be found on WahooArt.com.

• Kano Takanobu was a prominent painter of the Kanō school during the Azuchi–Momoyama period.
• His work was influenced by the Chinese tradition of literati painting by scholar-bureaucrats.
• Takanobu's style was characterized by strong outlines, bold colors, and extensive use of gold leaf.
• He was the father of Kanō Tan'yū, one of the most prominent painters of the school.

Takanobu's legacy can be seen in the many paintings that he created, including those found on WahooArt.com. His work continues to be celebrated for its beauty and grandeur, and his influence can be seen in the many artists who followed in his footsteps.