Horserace at the Kamo Shrine, unknown maker from Japan

Artwork Overview

Horserace at the Kamo Shrine
Horserace at the Kamo Shrine
Horserace at the Kamo Shrine
circa 1650–1699, Edo period (1600–1868)
Horserace at the Kamo Shrine , circa 1650–1699, Edo period (1600–1868)
Where object was made: Japan
Material/technique: gold leaf; paper; ink; color
Dimensions:
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): each interior panel 138 x 61.5 cm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 54 5/16 x 24 3/16 in
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): each exterior panel 138 x 63 cm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 54 5/16 x 24 13/16 in
Credit line: Gift of Professor Curtis Besinger
Accession number: 1997.0420
Not on display
Add to portfolio

If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request

Images

Label texts

Archive Label 2003:
Almost every year since 1093, on the fifth day of the fifth month, two ten member teams race, in pairs, the horses that have been given as tribute to the Kamo shrine in Kyoto. The race begins at the torii gate of the shrine and ends at a maple tree that serves as the finish line. The race is modeled on a ceremony that was originally held in the Imperial palace compound.

Samurai and wealthy merchant families used screens, like this one, in their residences to configure the interior spaces. The screens were changed seasonally and to fit specific occasions. In the 17th century, the Kamo horseraces were a popular subject. They combined vigorous action with an opportunity to portray a wealthy populace (those who purchased the screens) dressed for a spring outing. Here, as was typical of other genre painting of the period, the artist has rendered the clothing in meticulous detail. This screen, probably one of a pair, would have been used in spring, around the time of the races.

Exhibitions

Asia Gallery Spring Rotation
2002