牧童図扇面|Herd Boy with Ox

Art Historical Context

In the tranquil galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian department, Kano Masanobu's *Herd Boy with Ox* (牧童図扇) captivates with its delicate elegance. Created in the late 15th century during Muromachi period (2–1573), this work by the esteemed Kano artist showcases the refined ink painting traditions that defined the era's cultural flourishing under shogunate patronage. Originally painted on a folding fan and later remounted as a hanging scroll, the piece measures a modest 8⅞ × 18½ inches in its image area, rendered in ink on gold-flecked paper. This medium transformation highlights the versatility of Japanese art objects, which often evolved from portable accessories to cherished display pieces. Masanobu's precise brushwork brings to life the simple pastoral scene of a boy tending an ox—a motif rooted in everyday rural life, evoking harmony between humans and nature. As part of the Mary Griggs Burke Collection, this gem reflects the Kano school's enduring influence, blending minimalist ink techniques with subtle opulence for meditative beauty. A perfect invitation to ponder the quiet poetry of Muromachi artistry.