Kiyohara Yukinobu

Kiyohara Yukinobu

Place: Kyoto

Born: 1643

Death: 1682

Biography:

was a Japanese painter and one of the foremost women identified with the Kanō school. Born in 1643, she was the daughter of Kusumi Morikage, also a painter, and Kuniko, the niece of Kanō Tan'yū. Yukinobu lived in Kyoto and likely studied under her father. Her work covered a wide variety of formats, ranging from small scrolls to large screens.

Artistic Style and Themes

Yukinobu's artistic style was characterized by strong outlines, bold colors, and extensive use of gold leaf, creating a visual impact that was both impressive and luxurious. She was skilled in the Yamato-e style, but was also notable for producing many works depicting women, including legendary figures such as Murasaki Shikibu. Many of Yukinobu's works are signed and sealed with her name, suggesting she had achieved enough recognition to receive commissions from middle-class townspeople and samurai.

Notable Works

One of Yukinobu's most notable works is a pair of screens, Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, which was shown publicly for the first time in 2015 as part of an exhibition at the Kosetsu Memorial Museum in Tokyo. This work showcases her skill in depicting natural subjects, such as birds and flowers, in bright colors and with extensive use of gold leaf.

Conclusion

was a talented Japanese painter who contributed to the development of the Kanō school style. Her works, characterized by strong outlines and bold colors, continue to be admired today. As a prominent female artist of her time, Yukinobu's legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of artists. The artistic style and techniques used by Yukinobu can be found in the Kanō school, which dominated Japanese painting for several centuries.

Kiyohara Yukinobu – Most viewed artworks