Kakemono The Hermit and the Crane

An old hermit with a long beard and traditional headwear offers food to a crane, while a small companion at his feet observes the scene – an image full of quiet affection between man and animal.

With bold, confident lines, the robe and facial features of the old man are rendered, while the crane is given an elegant lightness through finely fanned brushstrokes of feathers, standing in contrast to the earthbound figure of the hermit.

The crane is regarded in Japan as a symbol of longevity and good fortune, while the hermit represents a secluded, wise life away from the bustle of court life – together they form an image of harmonious constancy.

The aged paper, with its small areas of loss, lends the depiction additional authenticity and speaks of the long history of this sheet.