Artwork Page for Binzasara, A Dance with Clappers (From the series Entertainments at the Height of the Niwaka Festival in the Pleasure Quarters)

Details / Information for Binzasara, A Dance with Clappers (From the series Entertainments at the Height of the Niwaka Festival in the Pleasure Quarters)

Binzasara, A Dance with Clappers (From the series Entertainments at the Height of the Niwaka Festival in the Pleasure Quarters)

early 1790s

Eishōsai Chōki 栄松斎 長喜

(Japanese)
Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
color woodblock print
Measurements
Sheet: 24.5 x 18.2 cm (9 5/8 x 7 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Edward L. Whittemore 1930.174
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

During the eighth lunar month of each year the geisha of the pleasure quarters would form themselves into groups and proceed around the quarter performing dances and skits. It seems likely that woodblock prints featuring the Niwaka Festival were purchased as souvenirs of the occasion. The Binzasara is a ritual dance related to agriculture and fertility performed during the month of May. Agricultural deities are addressed by the use of flowered hats and binzasara clappers.
A vertically oriented woodblock print in color depicts five light-skinned figures dancing in a cluster. They wear matching green robes with white leaf patterns, bold diagonal-striped sashes, and pink skirts. Each figure wears a wide, flat hat adorned with pink blossoms and holds wooden clappers. Japanese calligraphy columns appear at the top left and center. The figures' varied, leaning poses create a sense of rhythmic movement against the cream background.

Binzasara, A Dance with Clappers (From the series Entertainments at the Height of the Niwaka Festival in the Pleasure Quarters)

early 1790s

Eishōsai Chōki

(Japanese)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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