Two Cranes, in the Manner of Sesshū Tōyō (1420–1506)

This is a Japanese hanging scroll depicting two cranes among low-growing plants, painted in ink and color on paper in the manner of Sesshū Tōyō. One crane stands erect while the other lowers its head, their contrasting postures creating a quiet and balanced composition. The restrained ink washes, pale mineral-green foliage, ample open space, and delicate linear treatment recall the refined bird-and-flower painting traditions of the Southern Song dynasty. The brushwork is subdued, elegant, and refreshingly spare. Compared with the forceful assurance of Sesshū’s mature works, however, the handling appears softer and more tentative, perhaps intended to evoke an early manner of the master.

Signed at lower right “Sesshū hitsu” (雪舟筆), with an indistinct seal. The accompanying wooden storage box is inscribed “Sesshū ippitsu, shakaku” (雪舟逸筆、写鶴), referring to an informal painting of cranes by Sesshū.

This work will be featured in the special exhibition Time Well Wasted: Five Hundred Years of Japanese Ink Painting, held at Michaan’s Auctions from August 16 to 21, 2026, and will be published in the accompanying book of the same title by Jingwei Zeng.

{Image size: 39 1/4 x 18 3/4 inches}. {Scroll size: 72 x 24 inches}.

Notes: Includes wooden scroll box,

Extensive creasing, tears, losses, staining, old repairs, and general deterioration throughout. Areas of pigment loss, particularly to the mineral-green foliage. The seal is indistinct. For condition report and additional photos, please contact the Asian Art Department.