Untitled

Unknown

mid-late 17th century · Ground of black satin damask (rinzu) · Asian Art

The combination of drum heads and a waterfall refers to a now-lost Noh play entitled Tsutsumi no taki ("Waterfall of Drums"), in which a traveler meets an old woodcutter at a waterfall and they discuss poetry. The woodcutter then reveals himself as the deity of the place and performs a dance. The pattern of Noh drums in a waterfall is thought to occur frequently in the clothing of women of the military elite.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-late 17th century

Medium

Ground of black satin damask (rinzu)

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Roy R. and Marie S. Neuberger Foundation Inc. and several members of The Chairman's Council Gifts, 2000 Benefit Fund, and funds from various donors, 2001