Activities of the Twelve Months

Sakai Hōitsu was one of the most revered painters of Edo-period. His style was influenced by diverse sources including Kano-school tradition, Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and Rinpa School which defined his painting style. This set of eleven scrolls was once part of a complete series of twelve, each depicting scenes and elements associated with different Japanese months and their festivities. Two of the scrolls depict significant traditional events; the ceremony of the First Month (Shihōhai) where the Emperor and his attendants pay respects to the Four Cardinal Directions, and the “Shichi-go-san mairi” festival in the Eleventh Month celebrating children turning three, five, and seven. Other images from this series portray a variety of cultural artifacts, such as the ornamental incense ball or kusudama that features in the Fifth Month celebration, and a particular kind of mulberry leaf associated with Tanabata or Milky Way festival that takes place in the Seventh Month. An especially lovely picture of autumn is included in the Eighth Month scroll, enhanced by bellflowers, maidenflowers, and knotweed with the bright full moon. Similar to other Rinpa school artists who had a strong impact on Sakai Hōitsu’s style, the Sixth and Eighth Month scrolls present a wonderful and unique tarashikomi technique. This special painting method is achieved through a particular application of ink or dye on a wet paper or silk surface resulting in an amazing mottled pool effect. Painted in Rinpa style the series also includes subtle hints and allusions to poetry and literature; in particular, the image of the Sixth Month scroll refers to Chapter Four (“Yūgao”) of The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari).