Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
PreviewPreview AR previewAR preview Switch to hand made Painting Switch to hand made PaintingSwitch to Image Switch to Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Cranes

Soga Shōhaku’s ‘Cranes’ (1760) – a captivating Sumi-e diptych featuring strikingly humanized cranes in serene landscapes. Explore this iconic Edo period artwork's beauty & symbolism.

Explore the unconventional world of Soga Shōhaku (1730-1781), a Japanese Edo period painter known for his bold, Muromachi-style brushwork & eccentric depictions of Zen Buddhist themes and folklore. Discover his unique grotesquerie!

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (Switch to hand made Painting Switch to hand made PaintingSwitch to Image Switch to Image)

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (11 August)

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 81

reproduction

Cranes

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 81

Collectible Description

Two cranes, one striding aggressively forward with open beak, the other with its head gracefully lowered as if in submission, face each other within the diptych format. Crisp, precise brushwork outlining the cranes’ plumage, and the combination of brush lines and wash used to delineate their bodies can also be seen in the mix of line and wash on the foliage in the left scroll and the bamboo branches and leaves on the right. The composition derives from the old tradition of Muromachi-period ink painting, but here the cranes—symbols of longevity and good fortune—are depicted with almost human-like expressions that enliven the image. This characteristic appears in other paintings by the unconventional and “eccentric” Soga Shōhaku.One of the major Japanese artists of the eighteenth century, Shōhaku’s outlandish behavior, sometimes unrestrained approach to painting (especially in his early career), and rebellious personality were noted by his contemporaries. His individuality and “modern” sensibilities are much appreciated today.

Artist Biography

life and artistic style

soga shōhaku, a japanese painter from the edo period (1730-1781), defied conventions with his unique brush style, reminiscent of the muromachi period, which was already 150 years out of vogue by the time of his birth. this distinctive approach set him apart from his contemporaries.

notable works and their significance

* race at uji river (harvard art museums, cambridge, united states): this polychromatic screen, depicting a famous episode from the 14th-century war epic "the tale of the heike," showcases shōhaku's pictorial grotesquerie. it is a rare example of his work in full color. * the immortal li tieguai (128 x 28 cm, paper): this piece illustrates the story of one of the eight chinese immortals, li tieguai, and demonstrates shōhaku's ability to convey complex narratives through his art.

artistic influences and legacy

* shōhaku's preference for the muromachi period's brush style reflects an aesthetic that was already passé by the time of his birth. this choice not only distinguishes him from his contemporaries but also highlights his unique artistic vision. * his monstrous depictions of prominent figures were extremely unusual compared to other painters of his time, further solidifying his position as an unconventional artist.

explore more at OriginalUniqueArt

  • discover soga shōhaku's works in the artist profile on OriginalUniqueArt.
  • learn more about japanese art movements, including the bunjinga art movement, which influenced shōhaku's style.
  • view other notable artists from the edo period in OriginalUniqueArt's extensive collection, including mori ransai.

conclusion

soga shōhaku's unorthodox approach to japanese painting during the edo period has left an indelible mark on art history. his unique style, characterized by monstrous depictions and a preference for outdated aesthetics, continues to fascinate art lovers today. explore his works and those of other influential artists at OriginalUniqueArt, the virtual museum for art aficionados. references:
  • soga shōhaku - artist profile, OriginalUniqueArt
  • the bunjinga art movement, OriginalUniqueArt
  • mori ransai - artist profile, OriginalUniqueArt
related artists:
  • ito jakuchu, known for his unique use of vegetables and plants in his art.
  • kano einō, a prominent member of the preeminent kano family workshop.
soga shohaku

soga shohaku

1730 - 1781 , Japan

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Muromachi Style
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Bunjinga']
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Takada Keiho']
  • Date Of Birth: Kyoto, Japan (1730)
  • Full Name: Soga Shōhaku
  • Nationality: Japanese
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Race at Uji River
    • The Immortal Li Tieguai
  • Place Of Birth: Kyoto
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.