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Cranes Crying on a Clear Morning (Seicho meikaku)

Image Coming Soon

Cranes Crying on a Clear Morning (Seicho meikaku)

1916

Hirai Baisen

Japanese, 1889-1969

Hirai Baisen, born in Kyoto, graduated from the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts in 1906. Every year thereafter until 1931, Hirai exhibited paintings at the Bunten, an annual exhibition held by the Imperial Fine Arts Academy. The artist traveled to China in 1913, and after his return became well known for his paintings of Chinese scenes. In this hanging scroll, the Chinese setting is revealed by the two houses that are partially concealed by the bluish-gray peaks. In the background, three cranes, symbols of longevity and good fortune in East Asia, are soaring over the mountain ranges, which are divided by bands of mist.

Ink and mineral colors on peach and gold tinted silk
84 1/16 x 24in. (213.5 x 61cm)
Gift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
2010.41.89
location
Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Signs of Fortune, Symbols of Immortality", November 2, 2000 - July 25, 2001

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum "Journeys in Landscape: Modern Art in Japan", November 26, 2004 - January 30, 2006

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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