Taking Flight

Japanese Paintings Of Birds And Flowers From The Sanso Collection

Drawn from one of the pre-eminent private collections of Japanese paintings in the United States, this exhibition explores the ways in which Japanese artists have used birds to symbolize Buddhist ideas and samurai ideals, as well as humorous depictions of avian antics. Hunting hawks, wild geese, frisky wagtails and graceful swallows are shown soaring, swooping, and searching for food in paintings that range from finely detailed to boldly brushed and reflect a broad spectrum of Japanese painting traditions. Guest curator Bruce Coats, Professor of Art History at Scripps College, has selected 27 scrolls dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. A complementary exhibition entitled “Dragons, Beasts, & Butterflies” will be on view simultaneously at the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, Scripps College.