Yoshiwara Picture Book of New Year’s Festivities, vol. 1, 1804
Woodblock printed book; ink and limited color on paperexpand_more
Gift of Louis W. Hill, Jr.expand_more P.77.39.14.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
This book, from a two-volume set, depicts annual events and ceremonial scenes in Edo's licensed pleasure quarter, known as the Yoshiwara. The niwaka festival depicted here was one of the most extravagant of these occasions. Niwaka, meaning "spontaneous," originally referred to impromptu comedy skits. The festival consisted of costumed processions, a parade of floats, and the niwaka skits. This scene shows a shishi-mai, a lion dance in which performers carry a large, fantastic lion-like mask. Traditionally lion dances in the more stately Nō theater were performed as an act of exorcism, but in the Yoshiwara's niwaka festival the religious significance was downplayed in favor of the lighthearted merriment and spectacle of women dressed in fanciful costumes.
Details
- Title
- Yoshiwara Picture Book of New Year’s Festivities, vol. 1
- Artist Life
- fl. 1800-1810s
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.77.39.14.1
- 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.
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