Artwork
Activities of the Twelve Months (Tsukinami-e)
Activities of the Twelve Months (Tsukinami-e) is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Sakai Hōitsu. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The scene features multiple figures engaged in various quiet pursuits, set against a backdrop suggesting a specific environment or event.
This painting, titled Activities of the Twelve Months (Tsukinami-e), was created by Sakai Hōitsu in 1799. The work is part of a larger tradition depicting seasonal customs and daily life throughout the year. It is currently housed in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The scene features multiple figures engaged in various quiet pursuits, set against a backdrop suggesting a specific environment or event.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents several individuals, some cloaked in black robes, with one figure distinguished by a red garment. They are arranged dynamically, with both standing and seated postures, suggesting a moment captured in time. In the background, a large, curved structure, possibly a boat or a building's roof, frames the scene. A smaller figure is depicted tending a fire, contributing to the sense of ongoing activity and daily ritual within an atmosphere of contemplation.
History & Provenance
Created in 1799 by the artist Sakai Hōitsu, Activities of the Twelve Months (Tsukinami-e) represents a specific moment from a series dedicated to the annual cycle. This particular painting has since entered the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is preserved and exhibited.
Artist & collection
