Rakuchu-Rakugai [In and Around Kyoto]

Place Made DisplayJapan

MediumSix-fold screen: ink, colors, and gold leaf on paper

Dimensions47 5/8 x 104 1/8 inches (121 x 264.5 cm)

CultureJapanese

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineAcquired through the George and Mary Rockwell Fund

Terms

Decorative Arts
Screen
Six-fold screen: ink, color, and gold leaf
Bodies of water
Bridges
Cityscapes
Clouds
Complexes
Kyoto, Japan
Mountain ranges
Palaces
Religious buildings
Rivers
Shrines
Temples
Trees
Urban views
Walls
Paper
Japanese

Object number92.051

Label CopyThe production of paintings depicting scenes in and around Kyoto, the ancient capital, increased during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, commissioned by feudal lords and statesmen. Rakuchu rakugai zu not only present an accurate, almost photographic, overview of the capital but also reflect something of the political atmosphere in the ancient city in the period just prior to the stability of the Tokugawa regime. A scene from the imperial court dominates the two panels on the left side of the screen, and a second screen, originally paired with this screen but now missing, probably included a view of the Nijo palace of the Tokugawa family. All of Kyoto's famous sites, important monuments, festivals and events are arranged from south/right to north/left along the Kamo river and are seen through golden clouds. This screen presents a view of the eastern section of Kyoto and suburban areas, and depicts, among others, the Shijogawara entertainment district; the Gion Festival in the metropolitan district; temples on the East Hills, including the famous Kiyomizudera; and the Kamo Shrine in the upper section of the leftmost panel. (From “A Handbook of the Collection: Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art," 1998)

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