Artwork Page for Performing Beneath the Flowers

Details / Information for Performing Beneath the Flowers

Performing Beneath the Flowers

花下奏楽図

late 1600s–early 1700s

Tamura Suio 田村 水鷗

(Japanese, active late 1600s–early 1700s)
Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
Measurements
Painting: 45.7 x 26.3 cm (18 x 10 3/8 in.); Mounted: 121.2 x 38.2 cm (47 11/16 x 15 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Ellen and Bruce Mavec 2026.44
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Chrysanthemums are sometimes associated with a character from Chinese lore called the "Chrysanthemum Boy."

Description

The activity of viewing cherry blossoms is known in Japan as o-hanami, literally “viewing flowers.” Beyond reveling in the spring scene, people also enjoy games and entertainment. In this painting, a beautiful young man strumming a shamisen is brought together with an older blind monk playing what is likely a biwa under the boughs of a cherry in full bloom.
A hanging scroll depicts a cherry branch with white blossoms arching across the top. Below, two light-skinned figures sit facing each other. On the left, a woman in a floral kimono plays a long-necked instrument. To the right, a man with a shaved head and green robe plays a similar instrument. Vertical calligraphy and a red seal appear near the lower left, beside a gnarled tree trunk that curves up the side.

Performing Beneath the Flowers

late 1600s–early 1700s

Tamura Suio

(Japanese, active late 1600s–early 1700s)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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