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.
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.
Artwork Details
- 住吉大社図屏風
- Title: Sumiyoshi Taisha Screen
- Artist: Unidentified artist
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: early 17th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Six-panel folding screen; ink, color, silver, and gold leaf on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 68 7/16 in. × 11 ft. 9 in. (173.9 × 358.2 cm)
Overall with mounting: 71 1/16 in. × 12 ft. 3 5/8 in. (180.5 × 375 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2024
- Object Number: 2024.412.5
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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