Courtier on horseback with attendant

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    Meiji or Taisho era
  • Geography

    Japan
  • Material

    Color on silk with lacquer jiku
  • Dimension

    H x W (overall): 178.8 x 35.5 cm (70 3/8 x 14 in)
  • Accession Number

    FSC-PA-201
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_FSC-PA-201

Object Details

  • Artist

    Takaaki (or Ryusho)
  • Description

    This painting has the unusual feature of a fully painted border that intentionally imitates a conventional mounting assembled of several pieces of silk textile. The image shows a courtier dressed in traditional equestrian regalia who sits astride a rearing house. An attendant assists him in managing the horse. In the space above the figures is a painted square intended to resemble a decorated poem sheet to receive an inscription. Usually the inscription would be written by a calligrapher rather than by the painter, who is identified only by a signature and seal giving the personal name "Takaaki" or the alternative reading, "Ryusho."
  • Inscriptions

    1. (Ann Yonemura 6 February 1997) Signature (lower right) and seal (below signature) giving the personal name "Takaaki" or the alternative reading, "Ryusho."
  • Collection

    Freer Study Collection
  • Origin

    Japan
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Evelyn C. Lazzari in memory of Pietro Lazzari
  • Type

    Painting
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

    There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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