Tatars Playing Polo and Hunting
Tatars Playing Polo and Hunting, attributed to Kano Soshu (Japanese, 1551–1601). Ink, colors and gold on paper. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, Museum purchase, B69D18.a-.b. Photograph © Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
These images are based on the high resolution facsimile produced by the Tsuzuri Project. Unauthorized copying, duplication, or transfer of these images is strictly prohibited.
DATA
- Artist:
- Attributed to Kano Soshu
- Historical era:
- Momoyama(16th century)
- Material:
- printed, gold on washi paper
- Medium:
- a pair of six-fold screens
- Theme:
- High Resolution Facsimile of Japanese Art Abroad
- Size:
- Each screen H166.4 × W348.0 cm
- Recipient:
- Kyoto National MuseumMAP
[Original]
- Current owner:
- San Francisco Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
- Material:
- ink, color, and gold on washi paper
DESCRIPTION
Kano Soshu is the second son of Kano Shoei and the younger brother of Kano Eitoku who was one of
the most influential painters in the Momoyama period.
Not many artworks exist, but his
actual paintings and related materials show that he carried on the bold style of Eitoku and was
active as his right-hand.
The Tartars refer to the nomadic tribes living in northeastern
Mongolia. In this painting, Soshu vigorously depicted the Tartars’ favorite pastimes: a hunt in
the left screen and a polo game in the right screen. This type of exotic paintings was widely
accepted among the Samurai class and became the popular subject which the Kano School painters
were good at from the Momoyama to the beginning of the Edo period. Above all, this artwork is
widely known as the masterpiece in particular.