On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Sumiyoshi Taisha Screen
This lavish folding screen presents an idealized, dreamlike depiction of Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, originally dedicated to the Shinto deities (kami) who were believed to protect seafarers of all ilk, including merchants and even ambassadors to China. According to legend, the shrine, located in Osaka, was founded in the early third century during the reign of Empress Jingū—who, in her deified form, has long been worshipped there.
From early on, Sumiyoshi was associated with classical Japanese literature. In the eleventh century, it served as the setting for scenes involving the Akashi Lady in Murasaki Shikibu’s Tale of Genji. Tawaraya Sōtatsu (1570–1640) famously depicted a scene from the “Channel Markers” (Miotsukushi) chapter, relating the Akashi Lady’s pilgrimage to offer prayers to the deities.
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This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
