An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Story of Fukutomimid-1400s
This handscroll shows the second half of an odd tale in which a ne’er-do-well seeks the path to quick fortune and learns the art of musical flatulence. Prior to a major performance, a mentor (and competitor) advises him to consume morning glory seeds, a laxative. Thus, while performing he fouls himself and ends his days in humiliation. <br><br>The audacious nature of this story and its presentation—well-animated figures with dialogue adjacent to the appropriate moments of action—create a primitive graphic novel. Japanese visual humor about farting preceded this story, but the satirical, mean-spirited twist in this tale suggests its intent was not merely to be humorous. The story was likely commissioned by court officials who disapproved of common performers rising to high positions, outflanking what was the accepted social order.
This scroll is treasured as the second oldest surviving version of this story.
Handscroll; ink and color on paper
Image: 35.3 x 1028.8 cm (13 7/8 x 405 1/16 in.); Overall: 37 x 1067 cm (14 9/16 x 420 1/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In the quiet folds of history, tucked away within a handscroll, unfolds the curious saga of a man who dared to chase fortune in the most unconventional ways. This man, a ne’er-do-well—an errant spirit in the world of entertainment—set his dreams high above the clouds, longing for instant fame and fortune. Yet, little did he know that the winds of fate had a rather mischievous twist in store for him.
As the tale unravels, we find our protagonist on the eve of a grand performance, a moment shimmering with promise and potential. Standing beside him was a mentor, both a source of wisdom and a sly competitor. With a glint of mischief in his eyes, the mentor makes an audacious suggestion: consume morning glory seeds, known to many as a potent laxative. Eager to impress and perhaps misguided in his trust, the man heeds this peculiar advice, unknowing of the chaos it would unleash.
The performance begins—a tapestry of colors and motion, with figures dancing vibrantly on the scroll as if brought to life. Laughter and music fill the air, only for it all to take a sharp turn toward the absurd. In a moment that would haunt him forever, the hopes of the crowd quickly shift to horror as our unfortunate hero, plagued by the consequences of his reckless choice, finds himself in a less-than-dignified predicament. His dreams shatter like delicate glass, leaving behind echoes of laughter tinged with unrelenting humiliation.
Yet, this tale is not just a simple jest. Embedded in its audacity lies a biting critique of society. The artful and animated figures, paired with dialogues placed artfully alongside each moment, weave a primitive graphic novel—a precursor to the modern narratives we find today. The humor may lie in the act of flatulence, yet there’s a deeper undercurrent, sinister in its mockery. The satire runs deeper, revealing the disdain of court officials toward common performers daring to rise above their station, disrupting the entrenched social order.
As we draw back from the scroll’s vibrant imagery, we're left with the poignant realization that even in humor, there resides a darker truth. This story, rich with layers and meaning, invites its viewers not just to laugh but to reflect on the human condition, our relentless pursuit of recognition, and the fragility of our aspirations.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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