Traditional Motifs in Japanese Art: Autumn Grasses

Book Stand with Autumn Grasses, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century

Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
October 11, 2023 (Wed) - November 19, 2023 (Sun)

Some of the most beloved motifs in Japanese art are the autumn grasses. The delicate beauty of these autumn plants, as extolled by the waka poet Yamanoue no Okura (possibly 660–733), was widely depicted in the arts of the Heian period (794–1192).

Designs featuring autumn grasses came to be associated with the elegance of the imperial court, as well as the passage of time and the impermanence of life. They were used in a variety of arts until the Edo period (1603–1868). The objects on display here — each decorated with a different design of autumn grasses — reflect the rich sentiment and symbolism that the Japanese associated with this classical motif.

List of Exhibits

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.

Tea Kettle (Shinnari Gama) with a Plum Tree and Autumn Grasses, Ashiya ware, Muromachi period, 15th–16th century (Private collection)

Mirror with Autumn Grasses, Butterflies, and Birds, Found at the Hakusan Shrine Sutra Mound, Tokyo, Heian period, 12th century

Teapot-Shaped Water Dropper with Autumn Grasses, Muromachi period, 15th century (Gift of Mr. Watanabe Toyotarō and Mr. Watanabe Masayuki)

Book Stand with Autumn Grasses, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century

Rectangular Dish with Autumn Grasses, Mino ware, gray-Shino type, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century

Dish with Fragrant Eupatorium, Nabeshima ware, Edo period, 18th century

Noh Costume (Chōken) with Autumn Grasses and Long-Tailed Birds, Previously owned by the Konparu troupe, Edo period, 18th century

Noh Costume (Karaori) with Chrysanthemums, Eulalia Grass, and Butterflies, Passed down by the Konparu troupe, Edo period, 18th century

Sash (Obi) with Autumn Grasses, Edo period, 19th century

This pamphlet is also available at the information desk in the Honkan during the exhibition period.
PDF（3.58MB）

PDF（2.78MB）

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