Festival of Insects
Motsurin Jōtō (Japanese, d. 1492)
c. 1615–1868
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Dimensions
122.5 × 55.9 cm · image: 30.7 × 45 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund
Accession Number
1988.16
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
male
About this artwork
This painting depicts humanlike figures with antennae engaged in a festival procession. They transport a gourd like a float, with two teams pulling ropes in front, and others maneuvering it with poles from behind. They are accompanied by flutes and drums, urged on by a dancer holding a fan and a branch. The inscription is attributed to the monk-painter Motsurin Jōtō (Bokusai), well known in Japan as a disciple of Ikkyū Sōjun and an accomplished portrait artist.