Maple Viewers, By Kano Hideyori, Muromachi - Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century, National Treasure
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 2
December 1, 2015 (Tue) - December 13, 2015 (Sun)
This folding screen depicts people enjoying the autumn colors on the banks of the Kiyotaki river in Takao, northern Kyoto, an area famous for its foliage. On the right is a group of women with children admiring this foliage while drinking tea and sake from a peddler. Two men play flutes on the bridge while Buddhist monks, including both adults and children, converse with each other as they prepare to cross. A group of men in a circle further to the left partake in a drinking party while one of them dances and another claps in rhythm.
In the sky, white herons are descending as though in response to the flock of wild geese taking flight. Beyond the clouds running along the center is Jingoji Temple on the right, while the snow-covered gate and main path of the Atago Jinja Shrine on the left seem to foretell the coming of winter.
It is believed this screen was originally paired with another, with the latter depicting famous places in spring and summer, to form a depiction of the changing seasons. The painter was Kano Hideyori, as shown by the stamp at the far left. He was an artist of the Kano school active in the mid-16th century, the beginning of the Momoyama period (1573–1603), when Kyoto was recovering from the destruction of the Onin War. Although this is a traditional painting depicting popular places in connection with the seasons, it presents a lively depiction of contemporary food, clothing, and amusements. It was a pioneering work, predating a later genre that portrayed various amusements of the common people. We invite visitors to note the beautiful foliage as well as the cheerful amusements of the people depicted.
On Exhibit:
Maple Viewers, By Kano Hideyori, Muromachi - Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century, National Treasure
Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
Highlight | National Treasure | Maple Viewers | By Kano Hideyori | Muromachi - Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century | A-10470 |