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Football match at Hokoji temple
Football match at Hokoji temple

Football match at Hokoji temple

Place of OriginJapan
Date1500-1573
PeriodMuromachi period (1392-1573)
MaterialsInk and colors on silk
DimensionsH. 25 3/16 in x W. 39 3/16 in, H. 64 cm x W. 99.5 cm (image); H. 66 in x W. 45 3/4 in, H. 167.6 cm x W. 116.2 cm (overall)
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60D20
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
Text Entries

This painting depicts a key moment in the story of Fujiwara Kamatari (614–669), founder of the Fujiwara family line which—with its close connection to the imperial court—came to dominate the political and cultural scene of the Heian period (794–1185). The painting and the text, written in gold, recount the occasion when Kamatari and Prince Naka Oe (626–672) formed an alliance that led to the defeat of their opponents, the Soga family.

Here, a group of court officials are shown playing football (kemari) under a tree on the grounds of Hokoji Temple. The prince (in a white robe) loses his shoe in the heat of play and is mocked by Soga Iruka (lower left). When Kamatari returns the shoe to Prince Naka, his kind gesture strengthens their bond. After the prince ascended the throne as Emperor Tenji, he bestowed the name “Fujiwara” on Kamatari and his descendants.