Clouds Coming
雲来
Shimomura Kanzan · Taisho period (1912-26) · Hanging scroll
Image: Source: Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (Work page (opens in a new tab)) (reduced in size on this site) CC0 (opens in a new tab) View larger
A hanging scroll by Shimomura Kanzan, a Nihonga painter active from the Meiji to Taisho eras, painted on silk in the Taisho period with mountains and gathering mist. A mountain shrine and travelers are added, and it is held by the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum.
- Artist
- Shimomura Kanzan
- Date
- Taisho period (1912-26)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
On the tall format, greenish mountains stretch diagonally and mist trails through the valleys. Midway up the mountain, the roof of a small shrine or temple is quietly visible, and below it tiny travelers walk along a path. Pine-like trees line the hill in front.
According to the museum, the composition is built with diagonals and atmospheric perspective in mind. The mountain shrine is a pavilion Kanzan often used when painting imaginary temples and shrines such as those on Mount Horai. In 1915 (Taisho 4), Kanzan traveled the Tokaido with Yokoyama Taikan and others, and they divided the work to complete the Tokaido Gojusan-tsugi emaki (Tokyo National Museum). The scenes "Futagawa" and "Ishibe," which Kanzan painted, are said to show expressions similar to those of this work.
The museum presents it as a work in which Japan's distinctively damp mountain scenery is raised into a fantastic scene by Kanzan's skill. The date of the work is given only as the Taisho period.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
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Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Clouds Coming, and when?
- Clouds Coming is by Shimomura Kanzan, made in Taisho period (1912-26). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Clouds Coming?
- It is held by Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
- Japan Search (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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