Kano Eitoku

Kano Eitoku (狩野 永徳 Kanō Eitoku, February 16, 1543 - October 12, 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.

Related Topics:
February 16 - 1543 - October 12 - 1590 - Kano school - Japanese-style painting - Azuchi-Momoyama period - Japanese history

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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.

Related Topics:
Kyoto - Kano Motonobu - Ashikaga Shogunate - Chinese-style painting

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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.

Related Topics:
Oda Nobunaga - Toyotomi Hideyoshi - Azuchi castle - Osaka castle

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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.

Related Topics:
Sengoku period - Azuchi-Momoyama culture

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The painter Hasegawa Tohaku was a contemporary and rival of Eitoku.

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