Saru Gallery
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Biography Kano, Tan'yû 狩野探幽 (1602 - 1674)

Kano Tan'yû, previously known as Kano Morinobu, was one of the most successful painters of the 17th century. Scion of the Kano painting dynasty he was the eldest son of Kano Takanobu and grandson of Kano Eitoku. He received the patronage of shogun Tokugawa Hidetada (1579-1632), and this opened the way for many lucrative consignments from the new Edo-based nobility. Already in 1614 he had moved from Kyoto to the new capital Edo (present-day Tokyo).
In 1636 he became a priest and changed his name to Tan'yû. In 1638 he received the honorary title of hôgen, in 1665 that of hôin. Kano Tan'yû was generally credited with having revitalised the Kano school. He worked in many different styles, the Tosa style, and in the suiboku (ink and wash painting) manner. He often gave opinions on the quality, authenticity and monetary value of paintings brought to his studio.