Title: Hanami Yū utage-zu Maki (Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Scroll), Circa 1700-1750. An Emakimono Handscroll Depicting the Customs of a Cherry Blossom Viewing Party, Beautifully Painted and Illuminated in the Fashion of a Nara Emaki
Condition: Very Good
A Mid Edo Period, 18th century emakimono handscroll, tentatively titled Hanami Yū utage-zu Maki, or Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Scroll.
As the dubbed title would entail, the picture scroll depicts a rather large and beautiful scene of the various customs and going abouts of a cherry blossom viewing party, with this example having been further enhanced and decorated in the fashion of a Nara Emaki.
The painting has been produced on fine paper and beautifully made with various techniques and the main background burnished in gold, at times shining brightly. The detailing to each figure is also finely painted, with attention to detail on the vestments and kimono patterns of the partygoers, the flowering trees, and even shading techniques used on the greenery. Each cherry blossom tree has particular focus, with countless and carefully placed white dots to represent the flowering branches.
The paintings have been laid down and bound in a scroll for preservation, with a beautiful brocade decorated cover, and there are jikusaki (knobs) made of lacquered wood. The handscroll is enclosed in a wooden box.
One brocade decorated emakimono (picture scroll) on paper, 26.5 x 259 cm painting dimensions, 32 x 305 cm full dimensions. The knobs are not included as part of the measurement.
This emakimono is in very good shape, with minor rubbing and wear to the brocade. There are a few creases to the paper itself, but remarkably minimal damage or wear to the paintings.