Who painted The God Izanagi and Goddess Izanami?

The God Izanagi and Goddess Izanami was painted by Nishikawa Sukenobu in 1725.

Where can I see The God Izanagi and Goddess Izanami?

The God Izanagi and Goddess Izanami is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is The God Izanagi and Goddess Izanami?

The God Izanagi and Goddess Izanami is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of The God Izanagi and Goddess Izanami?

Museum-quality prints of The God Izanagi and Goddess Izanami are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The God Izanagi and Goddess Izanami

Nishikawa Sukenobu , 1725

The God Izanagi and Goddess Izanami is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Nishikawa Sukenobu. It dates from 1725 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1725 by the Edo‑period painter Nishikawa Sukenobu, this work portrays the mythic pair Izanagi and Izanami. Executed on paper with ink and subtle pigments, the image is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. The composition places the two deities on a gently curving path, set against a tranquil sky and water backdrop that lends depth to the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The figures represent the Shinto creator deities Izanagi and Izanami, who, according to legend, descended from heaven to shape the Japanese islands. Their attire—white robes with red accents—signals purity and ceremonial importance. The staff held by the male figure underscores his role as a divine initiator, while the serene setting suggests the harmonious balance of creation.

Technique & Style

Sukenobu employs a restrained palette of muted tones, allowing delicate brushwork to convey the softness of clouds and rippling water. The line work is fine and precise, characteristic of ukiyo‑e painting, while the balanced arrangement of the figures reflects the aesthetic of harmony prevalent in early 18th‑century Japanese art.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings in the 20th century, joining a broader collection of Japanese works acquired to illustrate the cultural and artistic developments of the Edo period. Its attribution to Nishikawa Sukenobu is based on stylistic analysis and documented signatures linking it to his prolific output of narrative scenes.