Artwork
Pictures of Eastern Brocade (from the series Famous Products of Edo)
Pictures of Eastern Brocade (from the series Famous Products of Edo) is a print by the Romanticist artist Keisai Eisen. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Pictures of Eastern Brocade is a woodblock print from the series Famous Products of Edo, attributed to Keisai Eisen and dated to around 1824. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a woman in a dark, floral-patterned robe standing by a wooden fence, accompanied by a fan, a lantern with ribbons, and a framed backdrop of a bustling Edo street. Her pose and the layered background elements collectively imply a narrative.
Technique & Style
The image features bold black outlines and flat, vibrant colors, characteristic of Eisen's style during this period. The composition balances simplicity with intricate details, such as the patterned robe and the activity in the background scene.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1824, the print is one of several in the Famous Products of Edo series, highlighting aspects of Edo's (Tokyo's) culture and commerce during the late Edo period. It is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
As part of the Famous Products of Edo series, this work reflects the era's fascination with depicting daily life, products, and scenes of Edo, catering to both local pride and the curiosity of other regions in Japan.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of 'Pictures of Eastern Brocade' are not widely highlighted, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Keisai Eisen's contributions to Edo-period woodblock printing and the documentation of late Edo culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Eisen lived in Edo (now Tokyo) when the city pulsed with theaters, teahouses, and woodblock prints.
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