The paintings of Kanō Eitoku stand as quintessential representations of the artistic grandeur of the Azuchi–Momoyama period, flourishing under the patronage of Nobunaga and later Hideyoshi. Both of these illustrious leaders sought Eitoku's exceptional talent embellish their palatial residences. Eitoku, the grandson of Kanō Motonobu (1476–1559)—the esteemed official painter of the Ashikaga shogunate—skillfully synthesized the delicate Chinese ink painting tradition with the vivid hues of the venerable Tosa school.
In 1576, Eitoku was entrusted with the monumental task of decorating the interior of Azuchi Castle, a grand edifice commissioned by Nobunaga near Lake Biwa. Unfortunately, the castle, along with Eitoku's exquisite artworks, was consumed by fire following Nobunaga's demise in 1582. Despite this loss, contemporary accounts vividly describe the awe-inspiring beauty of his creations. Eitoku pioneered the dami-e technique, characterized by vibrant colors set against a gold background, akin to those found on folding screens. Notably, he dedicated each grand room of the castle to a singular floral motif, such as peonies, plum blossoms, or red maple leaves.
After Nobunaga's death, Eitoku entered the service of Hideyoshi, who had ascended to power. Hideyoshi commissioned him to adorn the Jurakudai palace and later Osaka Castle. It is said that, despite the assistance of his family and disciples, Eitoku succumbed to exhaustion at the age of 48, a testament to his relentless dedication to his art.