Rakuchu rakugai zu (Scenes in and around the Capital)
17th century
In this pair of screens, seasonal outings and festivals in the old capital, Kyoto, are depicted at famous landmarks or scenic spots. The central part of the right screen features the city's most important festival, Gion Matsuri, which started as an event to appease the god of good health and end a plague in the 9th century. Today, thousands of people participate in this annual festival to pray for good health.
These screens were recently remounted with the generous support of Bank of America.
Ink, color, and gold on paper
67 7/8 x 149 3/4 in. (172.4 x 380.4 cm)
Purchased with funds from Mildred and Bryant Dunn and the Floyd A. Naramore Memorial Purchase Fund
75.38.1
Provenance: Hosomi, Izami Sakai, Japan; Purchased for Seattle Art Museum with funds donated by Mildred and Bryant Dunn, supplemented by the Floyd A. Naramore Memorial Purchase Fund, October 15, 1975
Photo: Paul Macapia