Maple Viewing Party c. 18th century
miyagawachoshun
abstract painting
water colours
japan
handmade artwork painting
oil painting
underpainting
painting painterly
painting art
watercolour bleed
watercolour illustration
watercolor
Miyagawa Chōshun’s “Maple Viewing Party”, a six-panel screen, is a vibrant depiction of an elegant gathering in a beautiful landscape. The Edo-period artist depicts a variety of figures, likely members of the elite, enjoying the seasonal beauty of autumn foliage. The work, painted on a golden ground, is a testament to Chōshun’s mastery of the rinpa style, characterized by bold colors, delicate lines, and dynamic compositions. The screen serves as a window into the rich social and cultural life of 18th-century Japan.
Comments
This colorful screen illustrates a favorite Japanese seasonal pastime, viewing crimson maple leaves in autumn. Within a curtained enclosure, two luxuriously clothed women, surrounded by their attendants, are enjoying music and refreshments laid out on elegant black and red lacquer serving dishes. On the far left, a group of women heat rice wine (sake) over a small fire fueled by dried maple leaves. A foot soldier announces the arrival of his superior, shown in a blue patterned kimono and plaid jacket on the far right. An elegant folding screen in the background—much like the one on which this scene is painted—illustrates how these objects were used both indoors and out for privacy and protection against the wind.
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