Maize and Cockscombs
mid 17th century
Medium
Six-panel screen; ink, color, and gold on paper
Dimensions
170.2 × 357 cm (67 × 140 1/2 in.)
Classification
screen
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
11272
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
During the Edo period, the prosperity and political unification of Japan under the ruling Tokugawa shoguns led to the emergence of a magnificent Japanese decorative style characterized by a love of bold patterns and bright colors. This new style was supported by the military class, a disenfranchised aristocracy, and a thriving class of merchants and entrepreneurs. The surviving half of an original pair, this splendid screen elegantly embodies both the techniques of ancient court painters and the...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...