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Scene of Rice Cultivation

Attributed to Kano Sanraku

Scene of Rice Cultivation exhibition

Scene of Rice Cultivation

High-resolution facsimiles

Material
printed, gold paint on washi paper
Period of creation
Tsuzuri Project Stage 7 2013–2014
Recipient
Daikakuji Temple at the former Saga Imperial Palace

Original

Artist
Attributed to Kano Sanraku
Historical era
Edo (17th century)
Material
ink, color, and gold paint on washi paper
Medium
Sixteen sliding doors
Size
Spring : H78.0 × W86.0 cm
Summer : H78.0 × W84.0 cm
Autumn and winter : H177.0 × W92.0 cm
(Dimensions refer to individual screens.)
Collection
Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Description

Various paintings generically entitled "scenes of farming" depict rice cultivation over the four seasons, from planting and irrigation to harvesting and tilling. It is believed that this motif was developed as a means of depicting for the Chinese emperor how farmers tended their fields. Under Confucianism, agriculture was considered the basis of an orderly society; therefore, after this motif made its way to Japan in the Muromachi period, the ruling class ordered many paintings in this motif. This work is believed to have been first displayed in the Take-no-ma (bamboo room) of Shoshinden of Daikakuji Temple in Kyoto. According to documentation accompanying this piece, the temple consigned the painting of the sliding doors to the painter Ooka Shunboku in 1755. This work is now in the possession of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Despite bearing no signature or seal, it has been attributed to Kano Sanraku — who bequeathed this and a number of other works to Daikakuji Temple — because the composition, brushstrokes, and depiction of rocks and trees are characteristic of the Kano school of painting.

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How the Works Are Created

How the Works Are Created

This section introduces the production process of high resolution facsimiles by combining Canon’s latest imaging technology and the authentic craftsmanship of Kyoto in the Tsuzuri Project.

About the Tsuzuri Project

About the Tsuzuri Project

This section shares the significance and passion behind the Tsuzuri Project and how we utilize the high resolution facsimiles of precious cultural assets, which are designated as national treasures and important cultural assets, and Japanese artworks that have left Japan.