Artwork

一龍斎芳豊画「新渡舶来之大象」|Newly Imported Great Elephant (Shinto hakurai no daizō)

一龍斎芳豊画「新渡舶来之大象」|Newly Imported Great Elephant (Shinto hakurai no daizō) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Ichiryūsai Yoshitoyo. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Newly Imported Great Elephant is a diptych woodblock print created by Ichiryūsai Yoshitoyo in 1863. It is a vertical ōban print, comprising two sheets of paper with ink and color.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a large elephant consuming grain stalks in a green field, surrounded by four figures of varying attire and occupation. The elephant's size is emphasized by the relatively small stature of the people around it.

Technique & Style

Yoshitoyo employed bold colors and simple forms to create a dynamic scene. The elephant's textured skin is rendered in dark gray, while the surrounding figures are distinguished by their diverse clothing and postures.

History & Provenance

The print is held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.