Skip to Main Content

Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more.

Closed today

Late 19th century

The Activities of the Twelve Months

Kawanabe Kyōsai (or Gyōsai)

Japanese, 1831 - 1889

Image 1 of 71 / 7

Paintings of the activities of the twelve months date back to the tenth century. On this nineteenth-century screen (one of a pair), the artist imbues the classical subject matter with great verve, humor, and lyricism. Gyosai was a master draftsman and skilled illustrator in the tradition of Hanabusa Itcho, the artist who painted the Children at Play screens.

This record is part of an ongoing effort to share accurate and evolving information. If you notice anything we should improve, we welcome your feedback at [email protected]

Images on this site are shared for educational use. For image rights, permissions, or to learn more about image rights and access, email [email protected]

Kawanabe Kyōsai (or Gyōsai), The Activities of the Twelve Months, Late 19th century | Philadelphia Museum of Art