DESCRIPTION :
A pair of six-fold Japanese screens depicting tartars on a central asian plane. The scene originated in the later 16th century amongst Kano school artists and remained popular through the early Edo period. This 18th century example follows a similar thematic and compositional framework. Mounted horsemen wearing exotic asian costumes hunt boars, tigers, deer, ducks and even cranes with spears, bows and falcons. Others, including female riders engage in a spirited game of polo. Offsetting the movement and rythym of the mounted horsemen is the high official and his retinue sheltering under the large tent at the far left. Similarly at the upper right a group of horsemen surround an official as they watch the hunt evolve. |
