Zhou Maoshu Admiring Lotuses
周茂叔愛蓮図
Kano Masanobu · Muromachi period (15th century) · Hanging scroll
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"Zhou Maoshu Admiring Lotuses" by Kano Masanobu is a National Treasure: a Muromachi-period (15th century) ink painting of the Northern Song Confucian scholar who loved lotuses. It is held by the Kyushu National Museum.
- Artist
- Kano Masanobu
- Date
- Muromachi period (15th century)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
This is a work by Kano Masanobu (1434-1530), official painter to Ashikaga Yoshimasa and known as the founder of the Kano school. It is ink and light color on paper, 84.7 cm high and 33.2 cm wide. It is designated a National Treasure.
A boat drifting on the water carries Zhou Maoshu (1017-73), a Northern Song Confucian scholar who deeply loved lotuses, together with his attendant, while willow branches sway in the breeze along the shore. Intellectuals of the time, devoted to Chinese culture, had many paintings based on Chinese tales made and enjoyed them, and this work is regarded as a typical example.
It is regarded as an excellent work representing Muromachi ink painting. The image shows a misty, quiet waterside with a willow hanging its branches low and a small human figure.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- Kyushu National MuseumMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Dazaifu Accession no. A35
Plan your visit to Kyushu National Museum
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to Kyushu National Museum, which holds "Zhou Maoshu Admiring Lotuses".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Zhou Maoshu Admiring Lotuses, and when?
- Zhou Maoshu Admiring Lotuses is by Kano Masanobu, made in Muromachi period (15th century). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Zhou Maoshu Admiring Lotuses?
- It is held by Kyushu National Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- ColBase (Kyushu National Museum) (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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