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Spring and Autumn Farming
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Spring and Autumn Farming

Kō Sūkoku (Japanese, 1730–1804), artist · 1700s · Pair of six-panel folding screens, ink, light color, gold, and silver on paper

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

These screens present the cycle of the farming year, starting with spring at right and ending with fall at left. Close examination of these screens reveals moments of games and amusement, the enjoyment of meals as well as intellectual and spiritual pursuits interspersed among the scenes of cultivating and preparing the rice harvest. The artist Kō Sūkoku is considered the 18th-century heir in style and attitude to Hanabusa Itchō (1652–1724). Itchō’s work incorporated elements from Kano school, ukiyo-e, and literati styles of painting. Kō trained with one of Hanabusa’s pupils, Sawaki Sūshi, who was best known for scenes depicting everyday life and customs.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineSpring and Autumn Farming, 1700s. Kō Sūkoku (Japanese, 1730–1804). Pair of six-panel folding screens, ink, light color, gold, and silver on paper; overall: 170.2 x 353.5 cm (67 x 139 3/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski, 2012.72

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