National Treasure Gallery: Amusements under the Blossoms
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Amusements under the Blossoms (detail)
By Kanō Naganobu (1577–1654), Edo period, 17th century (National Treasure)Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 2
March 18, 2025 (Tue) - April 13, 2025 (Sun)For centuries, Japanese paintings depicted Buddhist gods, popular tales, nature, and elite figures such as nobles and samurai. The painting on display reflects a major shift in Japanese art about 400 years ago — a growing fascination with everyday people.
The painting shows people celebrating spring, a season associated with vitality and renewal. On the right screen, women picnic and play music beneath a blooming cherry tree. (The two blank panels were destroyed in the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923.) On the left screen, women dressed in men’s clothing brandish swords as they perform Okuni Kabuki, a dance popularized by the cross-dressing entertainer and shrine attendant Izumo no Okuni.
These screens capture the latest customs and fashions of the time while also reflecting Japan’s enduring love of the four seasons. They were likely created by Kanō Naganobu (1577–1654), a master painter in service to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the samurai warlord who unified Japan.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Amusements under the Blossoms | By Kanō Naganobu (1577–1654) | Edo period, 17th century | A-11530 |