Title: Jū ni-kagetsu fūzoku Emakimono (The Twelve Months of the Year Events Picture Scroll), Circa 1837-1853. Twelve Long Paintings of Festival Scenes and Practices, Including Cockfighting. Over Five Meters
Author: Attributed to Yamada Kosetsu; Previously Owned by Miyahara Suiun
Condition: Very Good
A Late Edo Period, mid 19th century emakimono handscroll, with a charming sutie of 12 large paintings, roughly titled Jū ni-kagetsu fūzoku Emakimono, or The Twelve Months of the Year Events Picture Scroll.
As the name would indicate, the scroll depicts various Japanese customs, events, and objects associated with the months of the year, with one painting for each event. While there are some standard festivals and events depicted, there are also more uncommon scenes provided, such as cockfighting, and more.
The emakimono paintings have been attributed to Yamada Kosetsu (1817-1857), a Late Edo Period painter. Kosetsu was the son of Yamada Tosetsu, the latter serving as official painter of the Mikawa Yoshida Domain. After his father's death, he served the Yoshida Domain lords, Nobutaka and Shinsho. A disciple of Kano Shinsho, Kosetsu is said to have worked with his teacher on the renovation of the Nikko Mausoleum. He passed away at the age of 40.
One emakimono (picture scroll) on washi paper, 28.2 x 511 cm
This emakimono is in very good shape, with some crumpling to the first opening of the scroll. There is minor wear and soiling throughout, and a small worm track to the right-side margins of the paintings.