Takasago
Datelate 19th - early 20th century
Maker
Tsuji Kako
Japanese, 1870 - 1931
Label TextKnown together as Jotomba, this devoted elderly pair is a symbol of marital harmony and long life. Portrayed under the legendary Takasago pine, the old woman is using a broom to sweep away trouble, while her husband carries a rake to bring in good fortune. In Japanese, the word for sweep (haku) is homophonous with "100 years" (hyaku) and rake (kumade) sounds like "until 99 years," thus creating a pictorial pun of sorts. At Japanese weddings, the Takasago song is recited and Takasago figurines are put on a special shelf to invoke a long and fruitful married life for the newlyweds.
Object number2010.41.96
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, "Live Long and Prosper: Auspicious Motifs in East Asian Art", May 23, 2009 - February 21, 2010Credit LineGift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
Dimensions50 1/2 x 19 11/16 in. (128.3 x 50 cm)
MediumInk and colors on silk
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