Canon Donates High-Resolution Reproduction of 16th-Century Artwork “Peafowl and Phoenixes

In a significant effort to preserve and share cultural heritage, Canon Inc. and the Kyoto Culture Association have donated a high-resolution facsimile of the 16th-century Japanese artwork Peafowl and Phoenixes to the Kuboso Memorial Museum of Arts, Izumi. The donation was made as part of Stage 17 of the Tsuzuri Project, an ongoing cultural preservation initiative aimed at making historically significant works of art more accessible to the public.

The original painting, attributed to Tosa Mitsuyoshi, is housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art in the United States. With deep historical and artistic value, the artwork is a prime example of the Momoyama period (1573–1615), combining both Yamato-e (Japanese-style) and Kara-e (Chinese-style) painting traditions. It showcases a pair of peafowl and phoenixes among seasonal flora, rendered with delicate brushwork and rich color, surrounded by intricate gold detailing.

This facsimile is especially meaningful for the city of Izumi, where Tosa Mitsuyoshi once lived and worked. The donation not only symbolically “returns” the artwork to its cultural roots but also enriches local art appreciation and educational opportunities. The piece is expected to support community engagement, regional heritage initiatives, and cultural programming in collaboration with Izumi City.

Canon employed its state-of-the-art technology to reproduce the artwork. Using its EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera, advanced color matching systems, and large-format inkjet printers with 12-color pigment inks, Canon was able to create a near-identical reproduction. Skilled Kyoto artisans then finished the piece by applying traditional gold accents and mounting it onto folding screens, ensuring an authentic visual and textural experience.

The facsimile will be on public display from June 26, 2025, to March 22, 2026, in the museum’s main lounge. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to view the piece up close without a glass barrier and even take photographs, encouraging deeper appreciation of its craftsmanship and historical significance. After the exhibit period, the reproduction will become a permanent feature at the Kuboso Museum.

This initiative highlights Canon’s continued commitment to cultural preservation through digital innovation, bridging art, history, and modern technology to make heritage more accessible to all.