Artwork

新大橋橋下の涼み船|Pleasure Boats on the Sumida River beneath Shin-Ōhashi Bridge

新大橋橋下の涼み船|Pleasure Boats on the Sumida River beneath Shin-Ōhashi Bridge, by Chôbunsai Eishi, ink, 1792
新大橋橋下の涼み船|Pleasure Boats on the Sumida River beneath Shin-Ōhashi Bridge, by Chôbunsai Eishi, ink, 1792

新大橋橋下の涼み船|Pleasure Boats on the Sumida River beneath Shin-Ōhashi Bridge is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Chôbunsai Eishi. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Pleasure Boats on the Sumida River beneath Shin-Ōhashi Bridge is a pentaptych woodblock print created by Chōbunsai Eishi around 1792.

About this work

Overview

Pleasure Boats on the Sumida River beneath Shin-Ōhashi Bridge is a pentaptych woodblock print created by Chōbunsai Eishi around 1792. Composed of ink and color on paper, this artwork showcases a vibrant scene of leisure activities along the Sumida River during the Edo period.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures the refined elegance of Edo-period leisure, depicting crowded pleasure boats with individuals in vibrant attire and everyday activities on Shin-Ōhashi Bridge. The scene conveys a sense of urban refinement and joyful communal life.

Technique & Style

Eishi, trained under Kano Eisen'in Michinobu, demonstrates his mastery of bijin-ga (portraits of beautiful people) in this work. Notable techniques include the use of soft yet bold colors, particularly in the clothing, and cross-hatching to add texture, enhancing the bustling atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1792 by Chōbunsai Eishi, a former samurai and vassal of the Shōgun, this print reflects his transition to ukiyo-e art. Originally from a wealthy background with a 500 koku stipend, Eishi's work transitioned from traditional duties to capturing Edo's leisurely side.

Context

This piece is set against the backdrop of Edo-period (1603-1867) urban life, where the Sumida River was a hub for recreational activities. The depiction of Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and surrounding architecture provides a glimpse into the era's urban landscape.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not widely highlighted, it contributes to Eishi's reputation for graceful bijin-ga in urban settings, influencing subsequent generations of ukiyo-e artists in portraying everyday Edo life with elegance and detail.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Chôbunsai Eishi

Artist

Chôbunsai Eishi

Chōbunsai Eishi (鳥文斎 栄之; 1756–1829) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist. His last name was Hosoda (細田). His first name was Tokitomi (時富). His common name was Taminosuke (民之丞) and later Yasaburo (弥三郎). Pupil of Kano Eisen'in…