Public collection via the Cleveland Museum of Art
AT-00010115Spring and Autumn Farming (Spring)
by Ko Sukoku
About the Artwork
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.
Inscriptions
Signature of the artist: "Enrin san jin Rakushisai ko Sukoku ga" (each screen)
Provenance
?–2012: Dr. Norman Zaworski [1920–2013], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art 2012–: The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
Exhibition history
Japanese Gallery 235 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (January 2-July 9, 2018).
Data retrieved from the Cleveland Museum of Art on October 8, 2026. The museum may have updated its record since.
Quick Overview
- Artist
- Kō Sūkoku (Japanese, 1730–1804)
- Date
- 1700s
- Medium
- Six-panel folding screen, ink, light color, gold, and silver on paper
- Dimensions
- Overall: 170.2 x 353.5 cm (67 x 139 3/16 in.)
- Type
- Painting
- Classification
- Painting
- Department
- Japanese Art
- Credit line
- Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski
- Accession no.
- 2012.72.1
More by Ko Sukoku in museum collections
Open-access museum record · AT-00010115
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