Japanese Crane Painting – Sumi-e Ink Art

This is an original sumi-e painting of a dancing couple of Japanese cranes in snow. Handpainted in ink and natural mineral pigments on Xian rice paper.

Size: 16×16 inches = 40.5×40.5 cm

The red-crowned crane is often featured in myths and legends. In Taoism, the red-crowned crane is a symbol of longevity and immortality. In art and literature, immortals are often depicted riding on cranes. A mortal who attains immortality is similarly carried off by a crane. Reflecting this association, red-crowned cranes are called "crane of the immortals". The red-crowned crane is also a symbol of nobility. Depictions of the crane have been found in Shang Dynasty tombs and Zhou Dynasty ceremonial bronzeware.

A common theme in later Chinese art is the reclusive scholar who cultivates bamboo and keeps cranes. Some literati even reared cranes and trained them to dance to guqin music!

In Japan this crane is known as the tanchozuru and is said to live for 1,000 years. Cranes are said to grant favours in return for acts of sacrifice. 

In Korea, the red-crowned crane is considered a symbol of longevity, purity, and peace. And of course this particular painting is about love and affection!

I will ship this painting to any address in the world, unframed, in a protective packaging, and will include a signed certificate of authenticity.

Feel free to contact me for commissions or with any questions, I'd love to hear from you.