Kano Sanraku (狩野山楽)

Kano Sanraku (狩野山楽) was a Japanese artist active across the late 16th and early 17th centuries, with his documented creative period spanning from approximately 1559 to 1630. Although the total output of Kano Sanraku (狩野山楽) paintings is unknown, a limited but important selection of his works is held in established museum collections in the United States.

Seven paintings representing his artistic practice are currently preserved in institutional holdings, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The documented works reflect classical themes typical of the period, such as Autumn Millet and Small Birds and the figurative piece Chinese Sages. The subject matter of Wild Geese also features significantly, appearing multiple times among the works represented in collections.

The preservation of these pieces in the public domain allows scholars to access and study the artist’s technique. Today, these historical documents and records are often available as high-quality prints, ensuring the continued academic study of Kano Sanraku’s contributions to the history of Japanese art.