- Saidaiji Hadaka Matsuri, Okayama -

This extra-large-format silkscreen print, "Saidaiji Hadaka Matsuri, Okayama," is by Masaaki Tanaka. It captures the dramatic spectacle of the Saidaiji Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival), one of Japan's most extraordinary traditional festivals. Through the expressive use of the silkscreen medium, Tanaka conveys the overwhelming energy of hundreds of nearly naked participants surging like a powerful wave. The print depicts the climactic moment when the sacred wooden batons (shingi) are thrown into the crowd, igniting an intense scramble among the participants. Filled with movement and excitement, this visually striking composition vividly conveys both the physical intensity and communal spirit of the festival.

Officially known as the Saidaiji Eyo, the festival is held annually at Kinryōzan Saidaiji Kannon-in, the head temple of the Shingon sect in Higashi Ward, Okayama City. Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, the event attracts thousands of participants and spectators from across Japan. The highlight of the festival is the fierce competition to catch one of the two sacred wooden batons (shingi) dropped from the Ofuku-mado ("Good Fortune Window") of the temple's main hall. The festival uniquely combines centuries-old religious tradition with extraordinary excitement and physical intensity.

Technique: Silkscreen
Paper size: 19 5/8 × 25 1/8 inches (49.8 × 64 cm)
Image size: 12 3/4 × 16 3/4 inches (32.5 × 42.7 cm)
Sheet number: 97/100
Date: 1983
Signed: Hand-signed by the artist in the lower margin.
Condition: Overall, good condition. There are some faint spots on the margins and the verso, along with light age toning on the verso. The image itself remains clean and vibrant. These minor imperfections are subtle and are not readily noticeable during normal viewing. Please refer to the photographs for details. Accordingly, the price has been adjusted to reflect these minor condition issues.

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