Tsurumeso at the Gion Festival

Nakajima Kahô (mentioned on object), 1926

Tsurumeso were craftsmen from Kyoto who made sandals and strings for bows from hemp fibres. They were affiliated with the Gion Shrine and during the grand Gion festival they purified the path. They wear masks, and the two crests (mon) of the temple are visible on their chest and the banner on their back.

  • Artwork typehanging scroll
  • Object numberAK-RAK-2015-2-6
  • Dimensionsheight 117.5 cm x width 52.3 cm, height 26.4 cm x width 50 cm, height 7.5 cm x width 61 cm x depth 8 cm
  • Physical characteristicssumi, pink and gold at paper on blue tie and dye and mother-of-pearl crushed paper mounting, with wooden knobs