Kimono on Hanging Racks

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Number of components: Pair of six-panel folding screens
Format and materials: Color on paper
Dimensions (in cm): L. 172.0, W. 384.0 (each)
Date of production: Edo period 17th century

The idea of the tagasode (Whose sleeves?) painting is to imply something about the owner of the garments arranged on the hanging racks. Among such works, this one is highly acclaimed for its well-balanced composition and sumptuous depiction. The short-sleeved kimono with a pattern of mist and wisteria in the center of the right half of the screen is thought to be a Noh costume and the box on the right is thought to be for storing Noh masks, so it seems the owner is someone with a liking for Noh. The folding screen depicted in the left half of the screen features a landscape painting in black ink executed in brush strokes that resemble the Kaiho School. We do not know who painted this work, but there is no doubt the artist excelled at painting in both color and ink.

Notable Works

Kimono on Hanging Racks

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART