Scene in May: The Boys' Festival (Gogatsu no kei)
- Date:
- c. 1800-1810
- Medium:
- Woodblock print (naga surimono); ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 19.4 × 52.5 cm
- Source:
- Harvard Art Museums
Description
The Boys' Festival of the fifth lunar month (Tango no Sekku) is celebrated in this naga surimono from around 1800–10, with carp streamers (koinobori) and other seasonal decorations marking the holiday dedicated to the health and strength of male children. The festival's imagery — warrior dolls, irises, and the bold koi flags — suffused May with martial and natural symbolism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Scene in May: The Boys' Festival (Gogatsu no kei) was created by Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎) in c. 1800-1810.
Scene in May: The Boys' Festival (Gogatsu no kei) depicts daily life and summer.
Scene in May: The Boys' Festival (Gogatsu no kei) measures 19.4 × 52.5 cm (Oban format).