Attributed to Kano Tanshin (Morimasa)(Japanese, 1653-1718), Monkey Reaching for the Moon

Hanging scroll, ink and silk, features two monkeys holding onto each other hanging from a tree branch, the monkey on the bottom is reaching for the moon that is being reflected in the water, artist signature to lower right side together with red artist seal, ivory or bone rollers, comes together with a tomobako wooden storage box.


DOA 70 1/2 x 18 in., Image size 36 x 14 in.

Private Collection, Florida

Compare signature and artist seal on this painting with the painting Dove on Plum Tree attributed to Kano Tanshin (Morimasa) at the Metropolitan Museum of art (accession 36.100.78).

This painting illustrates the popular theme in Zen Buddhist art of monkeys trying to capture the moon’s reflection in the water. This image originated with a Buddhist story in which five hundred monkeys hold onto each other’s tails and attempt to seize the reflection of a moon in a well, they fall when the branch from which they are hanging breaks. This image teaches the danger of pursuing a mirage, and the importance of distinguishing between reality and an illusion.


Toning of silk; some scattered areas of lifting to silk; an area of wear or restoration to the upper left; a white streak to center; a black streak to lower part of the painting; some repairs to the mount.