Tadaaki Demonstrating his Expertise

Date1899

Maker Taniguchi Kokyo Japanese, 1864 - 1915

Label TextIn this exquisite painting inspired by yamatoe, an expression of refined court culture devoted to native themes, Kôkyô depicts a parable about excelling in one's chosen profession. Fujiwara no Michinaga (966-1027), a powerful Heian-period courtier, is attended by four men, each of whom was renowned for a great talent. The diviner Haruaki, in the white garment, has determined that a melon given to Michinaga is poisonous. As two ladies look on from behind a screen, the court physician Tadaaki prepares to pierce the melon with two needles, which will result in the discovery of a snake inside the melon.

Object number2010.41.16

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Noble Splendor: Art of Japanese Aristocrats," Jul. 28, 2018 - Mar. 3, 2019Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 104, illus. 15.

Credit LineGift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

Dimensions80 3/4 x 22 3/4 in. (205.1 x 57.8 cm)

MediumInk, gold wash and colors on beige-toned silk