Autumn in Takao

Kiyohara Yukinobu, a native of Kyoto, studied with Kano Tanyo (1602-1674), the artist-in-residence to the shogun (military ruler) whose official residence was in Edo (Tokyo). Tanyo traveled extensively because he bore responsibility for the decorative schema and large mural painting programs of the shogunal castles and residences in Nagoya and Kyoto. These were very large projects, requiring the services of legions of craftsmen, including Tanyo's painting studio. Following her apprenticeship with Tanyo, Kiyohara established her own career, which featured classical literary themes of the Heian era (10th-12th centuries). This image is set in autumn, and the poem card attached to the maple tree likely signifies the passage of a love affair. Takao is a popular scenic area in the mountains north of Kyoto, where autumn and spring foliage attracts many visitors.