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Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals Held on the Day of the Monkey in the Mid-Fourth Month”; Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sumō Wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine during the Hass

Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals Held on the Day of the Monkey in the Mid-Fourth Month”; Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sumō Wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine during the Hass, unspecified, 1716
Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals Held on the Day of the Monkey in the Mid-Fourth Month”; Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sumō Wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine during the Hass, unspecified, 1716

Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals Held on the Day of the Monkey in the Mid-Fourth Month”; Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sumō Wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine during the Hass is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1716 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting, part of a series titled "Festivities of the Twelve Months," vividly captures a traditional Japanese outdoor celebration.

About this work

History & Provenance

The pair of paintings titled "Festivities of the Twelve Months," depicting the Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals and Sumō Wrestling, was created in Japan in 1716.

The pair of paintings titled "Festivities of the Twelve Months," depicting the Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals and Sumō Wrestling, was created in Japan in 1716. The specific artist remains anonymous, as the work is attributed to an unnamed painter from that period. Currently, the objects are held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The provided records do not contain details regarding the original commission, the specific patron who ordered the works, or the complete chain of ownership prior to their acquisition by the museum. The creation date is firmly established as 1716, aligning with the Edo period context of the depicted festivals.

The painting is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is documented as part of the museum's holdings. According to cataloguing data, the work was created in 1716 and is classified as a painting produced in Japan. Its subject matter depicts buildings, men, and women, consistent with its festival scenes. No specific accession number, acquisition date, or prior exhibition history is recorded in the available sources.

Context

The painting titled “Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals Held on the Day of the Monkey in the Mid‑Fourth Month” and “Sumō Wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine during the Hass” belongs to the series Festivities of the Twelve Months, produced in 1716 in Japan. It is an anonymous Edo‑period work depicting a building, a man and a woman, and is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As part of a monthly festival series, the piece illustrates the genre of seasonal celebrations in early eighteenth‑century Japanese painting and is represented in a major Western museum collection, underscoring its recognized cultural relevance.

Overview

This painting, part of a series titled "Festivities of the Twelve Months," vividly captures a traditional Japanese outdoor celebration. It depicts a bustling scene centered around a large building, likely a shrine, nestled within a landscape of green hills and trees. The artwork provides a detailed glimpse into seasonal communal events, characterized by dynamic activity and a rich visual narrative that highlights cultural practices.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork illustrates either the Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals or sumō wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine, both significant annual events. The scene is animated with numerous individuals in traditional attire, some carrying fans or umbrellas, suggesting a lively public gathering. The presence of a prominent shrine and the focus on communal engagement underscore the cultural and religious importance of such festivities within Japanese society.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a vibrant color palette, with lush greens defining the landscape, warm browns for the architectural structures, and serene blues for the water features, creating a harmonious natural setting. Strategic gold accents are integrated throughout the composition, adding a luminous quality and potentially highlighting specific elements. The detailed depiction of multiple figures in various actions contributes to the painting's narrative depth and lively atmosphere.

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Untitled

Artist & collection

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals Held on the Day of the Monkey in the Mid-Fourth Month”; Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sumō Wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine during the Hass?

Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals Held on the Day of the Monkey in the Mid-Fourth Month”; Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sumō Wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine during the Hass is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals Held on the Day of the Monkey in the Mid-Fourth Month”; Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sumō Wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine during the Hass?

Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals Held on the Day of the Monkey in the Mid-Fourth Month”; Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sumō Wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine during the Hass is associated with Ukiyo-e.