Bugaku Dances (front); Chinese Lions (reverse) 1700 - 1733

Hanabusa Itchō created this pair of six-panel screens with ink, color, and gold leaf on paper. They depict Bugaku Dances on the front and Chinese Lions on the reverse, offering a glimpse into the cultural performances of Edo-period Japan. Bugaku, a traditional Japanese dance and music performance, was often performed at court and in temples. Here, Itchō captures the elaborate costumes and stylized movements of the dancers against a radiant gold background. The choice of subject matter reflects the artist's interest in the traditional arts and their role in shaping cultural identity. Itchō was associated with the ukiyo-e school, which often depicted scenes from everyday life, but his work also reveals a deep engagement with classical Japanese and Chinese themes. To fully understand the significance of these screens, scholars might consult historical records of Bugaku performances, costume designs, and accounts of court life during the Edo period. By situating the work in its social and institutional context, we can better appreciate its meaning as a reflection of cultural values and artistic traditions.