What movement is 厳島吉野花見図屏風|Cherry Blossom Viewing at Itsukushima and Yoshino?

厳島吉野花見図屏風|Cherry Blossom Viewing at Itsukushima and Yoshino is associated with Ming dynasty painting.

Artwork

厳島吉野花見図屏風|Cherry Blossom Viewing at Itsukushima and Yoshino

厳島吉野花見図屏風|Cherry Blossom Viewing at Itsukushima and Yoshino is an ink painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work consists of a pair of six‑panel byōbu, traditional Japanese folding screens, depicting a springtime scene of cherry‑blossom viewing at Itsukushima and Yoshino. Executed in ink, pigments and gold leaf on paper, the panels present a panoramic landscape populated by modest dwellings, trees in full bloom and figures engaged in festive observation.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates the seasonal practice of hanami, the communal appreciation of cherry blossoms, linking two renowned sites—Itsukushima, famed for its torii gate, and Yoshimo, celebrated for its mountain vistas. The inclusion of ordinary houses and lively participants underscores the cultural importance of nature’s transience and collective celebration in Japanese society.

Technique & Style

Ink outlines are combined with delicate color washes, while gold leaf highlights accentuate the blossoms and architectural elements, catching ambient light. The division into six panels creates a rhythmic progression across the screen, allowing for layered perspective and atmospheric depth typical of Edo‑period screen painting.

Context

Screen paintings of this type were often used as decorative partitions in aristocratic or temple settings, providing both aesthetic pleasure and a narrative of seasonal rites. By portraying two distinct locales, the work reflects a broader interest in travel literature and the visual cataloguing of Japan’s celebrated landscapes during the period.