Poem Scroll with Deer Interactive Website

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Click on the icon above to enter the Deer Scroll interactive website, a virtual re-creation of the complete handscroll. Originally created in the early 17-century, the handscroll was cut into two pieces in 1935. The Seattle Art Museum purchased the second half of the scroll. The first half was cut into a number of sections which are now located throughout Japan.

About the Deer Scroll
Poem Scroll with Deer, also known as Deer Scroll, was created by two prominent Japanese artists, calligrapher Hon'ami Koetsu and painter Tawaraya Sōtatsu. It represents the fall season, combining the image of deer, a symbol for autumn in Japan, with the calligraphy of a section of poems that also refer to autumn.

• Use your mouse to explore the scroll and look at the complete work of art.
• Read a translation and explanation of each poem, in English and Japanese.
• Learn about the conservation work done to repair the Deer Scroll.
• Download a 9-page document providing in-depth information about this work of art.
  
  

This website was produced in conjunction with the exhibition Five Masterpieces of Asian Art: The Story of their Conservation on view May 5–September 9, 2007. This interactive display is also available in the gallery with the addition of large screen display with a zoom feature.