{"product_id":"ju-ni-kagetsu-nenju-gyoji-emakimono-eiichi-cho-the-twelve-months-of-the-year-events-picture-scroll-by-hanabusa-itcho-circa-1680-1724-12-beautiful-paintings-lavishly-decorated-and-illuminated-in-the-style-of-a-nara-emaki-over-six-meters-long","title":"Jū ni-kagetsu Nenjū Gyōji Emakimono Eiichi chō (The Twelve Months of the Year Events Picture Scroll by Hanabusa Itchō), Circa 1680-1724. 12 Beautiful Paintings, Lavishly Decorated and Illuminated in the Style of a Nara Emaki. Over Six Meters Long","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eTitle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #5f6368; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eJū ni-kagetsu Nenjū Gyōji Emakimono Eiichi chō (The Twelve Months of the Year Events Picture Scroll by Hanabusa Itchō), Circa 1680-1724. 12 Beautiful Paintings, Lavishly Decorated and Illuminated in the Style of a Nara Emaki. Over Six Meters Long\u003cbr\u003eAuthor: Attributed to Hanabusa Itchō\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Very Good\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eAn Early to Mid Edo Period, late 17th to early 18th century emakimono handscroll, beautifully hand painted and illuminated, roughly titled Jū ni-kagetsu nendjūgyōji emakimono Eiichi chō, or The Twelve Months of the Year Events Picture Scroll by Hanabusa Itchō.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eAs 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 most of the following paintings:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe first painting is that of \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eShōgatsu, \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNew 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 a young child receives a gift.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe second painting is possibly that of \u003cb\u003eHatsu-uma, \u003c\/b\u003eand is celebrated in honor of Inari, where festivals are held at shrines to Inari. You can see a scene of revelers off to the shrine, while a merchant is selling trinkets including small statues of Inari.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe third painting is that of a rather popular scene, a \u003cb\u003eHanami\u003c\/b\u003e, or flower viewing, featuring picnickers and visitors strolling by to see the cherry blossoms boom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe fourth painting seems to be that for \u003cb\u003eHigan\u003c\/b\u003e, 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 rather several generations of one family visiting a large tree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe fifth painting appears to be a depiction of \u003cb\u003eTango no Sekku\u003c\/b\u003e, otherwise known as Children’s Day, the festival held to give thanks for the healthy development of youth, with scenes of children playing, and samurai armor on display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe seventh painting is that of a \u003cb\u003eBon Odori\u003c\/b\u003e. Where many people dress in yukata and gather in the local town square or at a shrine to dance in a circle to the rhythm of traditional songs. This originated as a tribute to the souls of the dead but has in most cases diverged from these roots to become more a communal way of enjoying the hot summer nights. The gatherings were also once seen as an excellent opportunity for young, unmarried men and women to mingle and find a partner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe eighth painting is that of a \u003cb\u003eTsukimi\u003c\/b\u003e, 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe ninth and tenth paintings are possibly depicting different scenes of \u003cb\u003eAki no Higan\u003c\/b\u003e, being the weeklong Buddhist holiday taking place around the autumn equinox, and just like its spring counterpart, so too is this a period of reflection, with one painting showing flowers being tended to at a possible memorial or grave, and the same generational trio of family amongst the autumn trees.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe 11th painting is a depiction of \u003cb\u003eShichi-Go-San, \u003c\/b\u003ewhere young children are dressed in their finest attire and brought with their families to visit shrines, to give thanks for their growth, and to prayer for continued good health\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe 12th and final painting is a depiction of \u003cb\u003eKotohajime, \u003c\/b\u003ethe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eEach painting has been produced on fine torinoko paper and beautifully decorated with profuse usage of gold sprays to decorate the borders. While the figures are not heavily detailed, they are all uniquely drawn and each have 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. Even something as simple as a picnic blanket somehow has considerable technique put into it, not just simply appearing as a flat design, but with substance. The \u003ci\u003efukinuki yatai\u003c\/i\u003e technique is used here as well, where we can see beyond the roof of the buildings where individuals may be residing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThis emakimono has been attributed to the Early to Mid Edo Period artist \u003cb\u003eHanabusa Itchō \u003c\/b\u003e(1652-1724), bearing his signature and seal(?). Originally called Taga Choko, he studied under Kano Yasunobu in Edo from the age of 15 but was later excommunicated. Not satisfied with the formulaic style of the Kano school at the time, he is said to have studied the Tosa school, Iwasa Matabei, and Hishikawa Moronobu. In 1693 (Genroku 6), he incurred the wrath of the Edo Shogunate and was exiled to Miyakejima. Seven years later he was pardoned and returned to Edo, where he changed his name to Ei Itcho. He excelled in urban genre paintings filled with a stylish artistic style, and was also skilled in haiku and music, making him renowned as a connoisseur of his time. His major works include \"Sun Waiting Scroll,\" \"Horse Pulling in the Morning,\" and \"Dance with Cloth Dye.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eOn note of the attribution, although the paintings are certainly in his bright and stylish manner, and the piece signed “\u003ci\u003eHanabusa Itcho hitsu”, \u003c\/i\u003ethe artist seal is a bizarre example I have never seen before. It does not appear to be a crudely copied seal, but simply one I do not recognize in the slightly. The wooden box bears several early inscriptions further adding to the stated attribution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe paintings have been laid down and bound in a scroll for preservation, with a beautiful brocade decorated cover, and there are \u003ci\u003ejikusaki\u003c\/i\u003e (knobs). There is a wooden box to accompany the scroll, preserving the contents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eOne brocade decorated \u003ci\u003eemakimono\u003c\/i\u003e (picture scroll) on paper, 31.5 x 620 cm full size, 31.5 x 560 cm main paintings. The knobs are not included as part of the measurement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThis emakimono is in very good shape, with minimal wear and rubbing to the brocade fabric. There are a few early crease marks, and minor, scattered staining, more to the crease marks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"That Guy With The Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51630942880055,"sku":null,"price":16250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0281\/1589\/4371\/files\/20260111_221335.jpg?v=1769973869","url":"https:\/\/thatguywiththebooks.com\/products\/ju-ni-kagetsu-nenju-gyoji-emakimono-eiichi-cho-the-twelve-months-of-the-year-events-picture-scroll-by-hanabusa-itcho-circa-1680-1724-12-beautiful-paintings-lavishly-decorated-and-illuminated-in-the-style-of-a-nara-emaki-over-six-meters-long","provider":"That Guy With The Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}