Title: Jū ni-kagetsu fūzoku Emakimono (The Twelve Months of the Year Events Picture Scroll), Circa 1650-1750. Twelve Large Scenes of Festivals and Events, Sumptuously Decorated and Illuminated in the Style of a Nara Emaki. Over Eight Meters Long
Author: Style of the Kano School; Style of Hanabusa Itchō
Condition: Very Good
An Early to Mid Edo Period, late 17th to early 18th century emakimono handscroll, beautifully hand painted and illuminated, 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. I took the time to identify some of the following paintings:
The first painting is that of Shōgatsu, New Years Day, and the most important event in the Japanese calendar, where a family might go so far to decorate the porch, household shrine, or ornamental alcove. You can see in this painting the Traditional New Year shimekazari decoration at the entrance to a house, whilst young children are receiving gifts.
The second painting is possibly that of Hatsu-uma, and is celebrated in honor of Inari, where festivals are held at shrines to Inari. You can see a scene of revelers visitng the shrine, while another group is headed off with instruments in tow.
The third painting is that of a rather popular scene, a Hanami, or flower viewing, featuring picnickers resting to see the cherry blossoms boom.
The fourth painting could be that for Higan, the weeklong Buddhist holiday taking place around the spring equinox and is a period of spiritual reflection and honoring ancestors, providing an opportunity to visit the family graves. This painting does not depict any graves, but simply an elder figure lost in thought.
The fifth painting appears to be a depiction of Tango no Sekku, otherwise known as Children’s Day, the festival held to give thanks for the healthy development of youth, with samurai armor on display.
The eighth painting is that of a Tsukimi, or Moon Viewing. Similar to a Hanami, this is a custom that presents the opportunity to savor the beauty of a clear autumn sky illuminated by a full moon.
The 12th and final painting is a depiction of Kotohajime, the custom where people start to prepare for the New Year by thoroughly cleaning their homes. There is also time spend towards preparing seasonal treats such as mochi and more, of which this painting does show mochi being actively prepared and tossed to children.
Each painting has been produced on fine paper and sumptuously decorated with profuse usage of gold sprays to decorate the borders and main compositions. All of the figures have been painted with a significant degree of detail, all uniquely drawn and each with their own lively character, and care has been taken to the linework and details of their vestments and kimono patterns, from the humblest to more elaborate example. Quite a few have been highlighted with illumination as well, making those figure distinctly stand out.
The backgrounds and surrounding have also been produced in detail, utilizing advanced shading techniques and colors quite reminiscent of the Kano School. The fukinuki yatai technique is used here as well, where we can see beyond the roof of the buildings where individuals may be residing.
Although stylistically different in places, the paintings are still rather reminiscent of compositions by Hanabusa Itchō (1652-1724), though this is only a suggestion, as this scroll is sadly unsigned.
The paintings have been laid down and bound in a scroll for preservation, with a beautiful brocade decorated cover of gold against yellow, and there are jikusaki (knobs) made of lacquered wood. There is a wooden box to accompany the scroll, preserving the contents.
One brocade decorated emakimono (picture scroll) on paper, 27.8 x 836 cm full size, 27.8 x 800 cm main paintings. The knobs are not included as part of the measurement.
This emakimono is in very good shape, with minimal wear and rubbing to the brocade cover. There is minor creasing throughout, and near the end are a few worm tracks to the upper margin, not affecting the illustrations. One of the laid down portions has an extra tape reinforcement. There is minor soiling scattered throughout.