Six-panel half-height screen (chu-byobu) depicting a group of elegantly dressed women enjoying a maple leaf viewing party. Gold clouds in gold leaf cover the upper 1/5 of the top of the composition, while the lower portion is dominated by a white curtain that creates the space of the party. In the right two panels, a group of male figures, one on horseback, has arrived and seems to be communicating with some of the female figures who emerge from behind the curtain.

Maple Viewing Party, first half 18th century

expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

This colorful screen illustrates a favorite Japanese seasonal pastime, viewing crimson maple leaves in autumn. Within a curtained enclosure, two luxuriously clothed women, surrounded by their attendants, are enjoying music and refreshments laid out on elegant black and red lacquer serving dishes. On the far left, a group of women heat rice wine (sake) over a small fire fueled by dried maple leaves. A foot soldier announces the arrival of his superior, shown in a blue patterned kimono and plaid jacket on the far right. An elegant folding screen in the background—much like the one on which this scene is painted—illustrates how these objects were used both indoors and out for privacy and protection against the wind.

file_downloadprintshare
arrow_back home
Details
Title
Maple Viewing Party
Artist Life
1682 - 1752
Role
Painter
Accession Number
78.67
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

Six-panel half-height screen (chu-byobu) depicting a group of elegantly dressed women enjoying a maple leaf viewing party. Gold clouds in gold leaf cover the upper 1/5 of the top of the composition, while the lower portion is dominated by a white curtain that creates the space of the party. In the right two panels, a group of male figures, one on horseback, has arrived and seems to be communicating with some of the female figures who emerge from behind the curtain.