“Takebun,” from the Musical Drama “The New Piece” (Shinkyoku)

early 17th century

Not on view

These screens depict the “Takebun” episode of The New Piece (Shinkyoku), an example of the kōwakamai type of musical drama popular in the 1500s. Originally derived from the historical epic Taiheiki and later adapted into a Noh play, the tragic episode centers on the hero Takebun, the bravest and most loyal retainer of an imperial prince. In the right screen, Takebun, the repeated figure wearing a green robe, attempts to rescue the prince’s wife, who has been kidnapped by a samurai. Unable to save her, Takebun dies by ritual suicide, a scene depicted in the fifth panel from the right. The left screen represents the events after Takebun’s death, when he transforms into a vengeful spirit that takes the shape of crashing waves to thwart the samurai’s progress.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

新曲図屏風
Title: “Takebun,” from the Musical Drama “The New Piece” (Shinkyoku)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: early 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold and silver leaf on paper
Dimensions: Image (each): 61 11/16 in. × 11 ft. 11 5/16 in. (156.7 × 364 cm)
Overall (each): 67 3/16 in. × 12 ft. 4 13/16 in. (170.7 × 378 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015
Object Number: 2015.300.104.1, .2
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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