The Activities of the Twelve Months

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The Activities of the Twelve Months

Late 19th century

Kawanabe Kyōsai (or Gyōsai) (Japanese, 1831–1889)

Paintings of the activities of the twelve months date back to the tenth century. On this nineteenth-century screen (one of a pair), the artist imbues the classical subject matter with great verve, humor, and lyricism. Gyosai was a master draftsman and skilled illustrator in the tradition of Hanabusa Itcho, the artist who painted the Children at Play screens.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Activities of the Twelve Months

Date:

Late 19th century

Artist:

Kawanabe Kyōsai (or Gyōsai) (Japanese, 1831–1889)

Medium:

Ink and color on silk; mounted as a six-fold screen - one of a pair

Dimensions:

Screen with frame: 47 1/2 inches × 8 feet 7 inches (120.7 × 261.6 cm) Each painting: 38 1/2 × 12 9/16 inches (97.8 × 31.9 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Edith H. Bell Fund, 1998

Accession Number:

1998-66-2

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Meiji Period (1868-1912) Reign: Meiji Emperor (1868-1912)

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