Tadaaki Demonstrating his Expertise

1899

Japanese, 1864 - 1915

In 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.

Ink, gold wash and colors on beige-toned silk

80 3/4 x 22 3/4 in. (205.1 x 57.8 cm)

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

2010.41.16

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Noble Splendor: Art of Japanese Aristocrats," Jul. 28, 2018 - Mar. 3, 2019

Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 104, illus. 15.

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