Moon and Autumn Grasses
A large half-moon, once silver but now darkly oxidized, shines over a field of delicate autumn grasses. Tiny grains of gold are scattered throughout, and are especially dense around the moon. Since the Heian period (794–1185), the moon over an autumn field has been a favorite subject in Japan, with its stirring evocation of serenity, clarity, and nostalgia. Rinpa artists and members of the more traditional schools, such as Kano and Tosa, favored this subject during the first half of the seventeenth century. Here, the moon floating over the field creates a simple pattern.
The signature in the lower right corner reads “Sōtatsu Hokkyō” (Sōtatsu holding the title of Bridge of the Law), and the seal reads “Taiseiken.”
The signature in the lower right corner reads “Sōtatsu Hokkyō” (Sōtatsu holding the title of Bridge of the Law), and the seal reads “Taiseiken.”
Artwork Details
- 俵屋宗達工房 月に秋草図屏風
- Title: Moon and Autumn Grasses
- Artist: Studio of Tawaraya Sōtatsu (Japanese, ca. 1570–ca. 1640)
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: mid- to late 17th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, silver, and gold flecks on paper
- Dimensions: Overall (each screen): 59 7/16 in. x 11 ft. 10 3/8 in. (151 x 361.6 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
- Object Number: 1975.268.60, .61
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Tawaraya Sōtatsu
17th century
Tawaraya Sōtatsu
early 17th century
Tawaraya Sōtatsu
17th century
Tawaraya Sōtatsu
mid- to late 17th century
Tawaraya Sōtatsu
first half of the 17th century
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.