Kano Sanraku 狩野山楽

Kano Sanraku (1559–1635) was a prominent Japanese painter associated with the Kano school, a leading art movement during the Edo period. Born in Shiga Prefecture, he was originally named Kimura Heizō and later adopted by Kano Eitoku, a master of the Kano school, which significantly influenced his artistic development. Sanraku became renowned for his large-scale screen paintings and sliding doors, characterized by bold compositions and vibrant colors, often depicting landscapes, birds, and flowers. His work played a crucial role in the transition of the Kano school style from the Momoyama period to the early Edo period, maintaining its dominance in Japanese art. Sanraku's legacy continued through his disciples, including his adopted son Kano Sansetsu, ensuring the perpetuation of the Kano school's artistic principles.