Kanō Motonobu

Kanō Motonobu was a painter active from the Muromachi to the Sengoku period who laid the foundation of the Kanō school. He organized the techniques inherited from his father, Masanobu, solidifying the school's dominance.¹

He showed talent from childhood, serving Shogun Ashikaga Yoshihisa at age ten. Receiving commissions from major patrons as early as age nine, he was expected to lead the next generation of the Kanō school as a prodigy.¹

In 1515, he produced the 'Thirty-six Poetry Immortals' votive plaques for Itsukushima Shrine, commissioned by Sakai merchants. This shows his strong ties with influential regional economic powers beyond Kyoto.¹

His marriage to the daughter of Tosa Mitsunobu, head of the Tosa school, greatly influenced his style. This alliance allowed him to incorporate courtly Yamato-e techniques, leading to his unique fusion of Japanese and Chinese styles.¹

After his death, he was referred to as 'Kohōgen' for his great achievements, becoming a canonical figure of the Kanō school. His educational system was the driving force that dominated the Japanese art world through the Edo period.¹