Ink and Gold: The Art of Kano - 6abc Loves the Arts

March 16, 2015 (WPVI) -- The exhibition is called Ink and Gold: The Art of Kano, and it's the most influential and enduring school of painting in Japanese history, an artistic dynasty that spanned over 400 years.

The Kano painters were hand-selected for their artwork by the rulers of Japan's Shogun Dynasty starting in the 15th century. Art Museum Curator Felice Fischer says their large-scale, gold leaf folding screens and sliding doors as well as ink paintings, hanging scrolls, and folding fans set the artistic themes for the nation.

"People usually think of Japan as ink painting and Zen but this is the other side of Japan the gorgeous side. The lively, the colorful."

Japanese rulers used the Kano's artwork to line the halls of their castles and homes.

"The rulers really wanted symbols of power. So we see larger than life lions, and tigers, and raptors, eagles or hawks on pine trees," Fischer says, "The castle interiors were also pretty dark. So the gold not only expressed the um power and wealth of the patrons, but also helped brighten up the rooms."

This is the first time the masterpieces have traveled outside of Japan, the first time they've been shown anywhere since 1979.

"And Japanese scholars and visitors have actually been coming here to see some of these works for the first time themselves," Fischer says.

The works are so delicate that the Philadelphia Museum of Art will rotate what's on display three times during the run of the exhibition so there's something new to see every 4 weeks.

Ink and Gold: Art of Kano runs through May 10th. For tickets go to www.TheArtsinPhilly.org.