Who painted Horse Race at the Kamo Shrine?

Horse Race at the Kamo Shrine was painted by Unknown in 1604.

Where can I see Horse Race at the Kamo Shrine?

Horse Race at the Kamo Shrine is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Horse Race at the Kamo Shrine?

Horse Race at the Kamo Shrine is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Horse Race at the Kamo Shrine

Unknown , 1604

Horse Race at the Kamo Shrine is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1604 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

You see a long, folded screen packed with tiny people at a festival in old Kyoto. Horses gallop along the bottom; above them, crowds eat, gossip, and watch acrobats.

This painting shows a real race that’s been run every May since the 800s. The artist crammed in nearly 600 figures—each one different—without making it feel messy.

Look up *japan, edo period (1615–1868)* to see more scenes like this.

Overview

Horse Race at the Kamo Shrine is a painting depicting a festival scene at the Kamo Shrine in Kyoto. The work is characterized by a large crowd of nearly 600 figures engaged in various activities.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows the annual horse race held at the Kamo Shrine on May 5, an event that has taken place since the 9th century. The scene is divided between the race itself and the surrounding festivities, including food, entertainment, and shrine activities.

Technique & Style

The work is an example of yamato-e genre painting, characterized by detailed and colorful depictions of everyday life. The artist has achieved a high level of complexity and variety in the composition, with a wide range of textile patterns and activities.

History & Provenance

The painting was originally part of a larger pictorial narrative in the fusuma-e format, executed by anonymous studio-trained artists in Kyoto. The scale and quality of the materials suggest a wealthy and sophisticated patron.