Festival Scenes, 1615-99. Japan, Edo period (1615-1868). Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper; overall: 51.1 x 208.9 cm (20 1/8 x 82 1/4 in.). Much smaller in size than standard Japanese folding screens, this lively pair depicts all manner of entertainments. Although at first they seem to show an ongoing festival, closer examination reveals that the screens comprise a series of isolated scenes from disparate occasions. In one screen, crowds gather around a bout of sumo wrestling as well as juggling and balancing acts. Elsewhere, teams of men pull a float bearing musicians costumed in foreign dress. There is also a dance circle with drums, a performing monkey, and a party of falconers. In the other screen, male courtiers observe a game of kickball played by noblemen, while their female counterparts watch from behind bamboo curtains. Others enjoy a theater performance. A childrens dance circle and a dance performance with ladies sporting elaborate