厳島吉野花見図屏風|Cherry Blossom Viewing at Itsukushima and Yoshino

Unknown

first half 17th century · Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, and gold leaf on paper · Asian Art

Both of these famous sites, or meisho, are celebrated for their scenic beauty and religious associations, but here sheer enjoyment and celebration of a beautiful spring day among people of all classes on holiday take center stage. The panoramic view of the rolling hills of Yoshino, near the ancient capital of Nara, is depicted on the right. The buildings of Itsukushima Shrine, near Hiroshima, are depicted rising from the water on the left. Each scene is framed in golden clouds, creating a dramatic setting for the many vignettes of dancing, picnicking, and pilgrimage. The historic Itsukushima Shrine complex earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and remains a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination.

Artist

Unknown

Date

first half 17th century

Medium

Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, and gold leaf on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015