Minneapolis Institute of Art

Portrait of an Ainu Man

attributed to Hayashi Kyokudō

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Hanging scroll, ink and color on silk

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A dignified Ainu elder wearing an ornate attush (elm bark) robe is sitting on a cattail mat inside a dwelling, attending a ceremony. Above his right shoulder hangs a stick with a bundle of curly wood shavings (inau) used to attract and interact with spirits (kamuy). In fact, this painting, which may be based on a photograph, is packed with Ainu and Japanese objects; actual examples of some of them can be found in these galleries. In the foreground are three lacquer bowls on stands, each with a ceremonial stick (ikupasuy) lying on top. These sets were used in libation ceremonies that included offerings of millet beer or sake. A typical Ainu dagger in a carved wood sheath and a Japanese short sword in a black lacquered sheath hang above him. Flanking him are large lacquered storage containers with three feet, called sintoko (Japanese: hokai). Highly treasured, these containers and the lidded bowl in the lower-right corner were traded from the mainland. Asia

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