Viewing Maple Leaves
観楓図屏風
Kano Hideyori · 16th century (Muromachi to Azuchi-Momoyama period) · Folding screen
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The National Treasure "Viewing Maple Leaves" by Kano Hideyori is a color-on-paper folding screen from the 16th century (Muromachi to Azuchi-Momoyama period) showing people enjoying autumn leaves beside the Kiyotaki River at Takao, north of Kyoto. It is held by the Tokyo National Museum.
- Artist
- Kano Hideyori
- Date
- 16th century (Muromachi to Azuchi-Momoyama period)
- Medium / format
- Folding screen
- Place depicted
- Takao (Kyoto)
About this work
This folding screen depicts people enjoying autumn leaf viewing beside the Kiyotaki River at Takao, a well-known spot for autumn foliage north of Kyoto. It is color on paper and measures 150.2 x 365.5 cm. It is designated a National Treasure.
On the right side of the picture, women with children, in front of the river, view the maples while taking tea from a tea seller and drinking sake. On the bridge, two men play flutes, and a monk with a young boy is about to cross as they talk. On the left, a group of men sit in a circle, dancing in time to the beat and enjoying a drinking party.
Deep in the clouds in the middle of the picture, Jingo-ji Temple with its treasure pagoda appears on the right, and on the left the torii gate and approach of Atago Shrine in a snowy scene, announcing the coming of winter. The work conveys vividly the clothing, food, and entertainments of the people of the time, and lets viewers enjoy both the beauty of the autumn leaves and the cheerful scenes of leisure.
The place today
Takao is known as a famous spot for autumn leaves north of Kyoto. Along with the outing beside the Kiyotaki River, the picture shows Jingo-ji Temple and Atago Shrine in the distance. Jingo-ji (5 Umegahata Takao-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto) is about a 20-minute walk from the Takao stop of the JR Bus or the city bus, and is open to visitors from 9:00 to 16:00.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- Tokyo National MuseumMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Taito City, Tokyo Accession no. A-10470
Plan your visit to Tokyo National Museum
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to Tokyo National Museum, which holds "Viewing Maple Leaves".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Viewing Maple Leaves, and when?
- Viewing Maple Leaves is by Kano Hideyori, made in 16th century (Muromachi to Azuchi-Momoyama period). Medium: Folding screen.
- What place does Viewing Maple Leaves show?
- It shows Takao (Kyoto).
- Where can I see Viewing Maple Leaves?
- It is held by Tokyo National Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- ColBase (Tokyo National Museum) (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
- ja.kyoto.travel (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-13)
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