Amusements at Higashiyama in Kyoto 1620s

This panoramic folding screen, made by the Kano School, uses mineral pigments and gold leaf on paper. The glittering surface isn't merely decorative; it's integral to the screen's social function and the labor involved in its creation. Consider the intensive process of applying gold leaf, each tiny square meticulously laid down. This demands patience and skill, qualities often associated with craft traditions. Yet, the screen's subject matter—leisure and entertainment—speaks to a society where such meticulous labor supports a culture of consumption and display. The Kano School, known for its grand and decorative style, often served powerful patrons. The gold leaf, a material of wealth and status, underscores the connection between art, power, and the social hierarchy. This piece asks us to look beyond the pleasant scene depicted, to consider the social dynamics and the many hands involved in bringing it into being.