Moon and Autumn Grasses

mid- to late 17th century

Not on view

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.”

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

By Tawaraya Sōtatsu

In the same medium

From the same time and place

“Trees Encoiled in Vines of Ivy” (Yadorigi), Tawaraya Sōtatsu Japanese, Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on paper, Japan — “Trees Encoiled in Vines of Ivy” (Yadorigi)
Studio of Tawaraya Sōtatsu
early 17th century

Helmet (<i>Zukinnari Kabuto</i>), Iron, lacquer, Japanese — Helmet (*Zukinnari Kabuto*)
Japanese
16th century

The Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals, Studio of Kano Takanobu Japanese, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and silver on paper, Japan — The Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals
Painting by Studio of Kano Takanobu
Inscriptions by Konoe Nobutada
early 17th century

Royal Visit to Ōhara, from The Tale of the Heike, Tawaraya Sōtatsu Japanese, Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink and color on paper, Japan — Royal Visit to Ōhara, from The Tale of the Heike
Studio of Tawaraya Sōtatsu
first half of the 17th century

Armor (<i>Gusoku</i>), Saotome Ietada Japanese, Iron, lacquer, silk, gilt copper, Japanese — Armor (*Gusoku*)
Armorer Helmet bowl signed Saotome Ietada
Armorer Breastplate inscribed inside, Myōchin Munesuke
16th and 18th centuries

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