Maple Viewing Party, first half 18th century, Miyagawa Ch?shun, Japanese, 1682 - 1752, 43 3/4 x 113 in. (111.13 x 287.02 cm) (image)49 x 118 in. (124.46 x 299.72 cm), Six-panel folding screen; ink and color on gold leaf on paper, Japan, Nikuhitsu ukiyo-e, This colorful screen illustrates a favorite Japanese seasonal pastime, viewing crimson maple leaves in autumn. Within a curtained enclosure, two luxuriously clothed women, surrounded by their attendants, are enjoying music and refreshments laid out on elegant black and red lacquer serving dishes. On the far left, a group of women heat rice wine (sake) over a small fire fueled by dried maple leaves. A foot soldier announces the arrival of his superior, shown in a blue patterned kimono and plaid jacket on the far right. An elegant folding screen in the background¡Xmuch like the one on which this scene is painted¡Xillustrates how these objects were used both indoors and out for privacy and protection against the wind.