Itsukushiima and Wakanoura
(late 17th century)
- Medium
- pair of six panel folding screens: ink, gold paint, pigments on gold leaf on paper, lacquer on wood, silk, brass, copper, paper
- Measurements
- 110.0 × 271.2 (image) (each) 124.5 × 285.0 cm (overall) (each)
- Place/s of Execution
- Japan
- Accession Number
- 2022.55.a-b
- Department
- Asian Art
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Baillieu Myer AC and Sarah Myer, 2022 - Gallery location
- Special Exhibitions Gallery
Ground Level, NGV International - About this work
-
Itsukushima Shrine is located on Miyajima Island in the Inland Sea. When the tide is high, Itsukushima’s torii gate is surrounded by water and visitors pass through it by boat before arriving at a boardwalk raised over the water on stilts. In the screen we see pilgrims wearing splendid kimono promenading along the shrine’s many raised walkways and wealthy patrons being transported in palanquins. Various shops sell tea, umbrellas and kimono fabric, and, to the side of the shrine, grazing under pine trees, are Itsukushima’s iconic deer – the sacred messengers of the gods.