Artwork

『画本虫撰』「蚓」「こうろき」|Earthworm (Mimizu); Cricket (Kōrogi), from the Picture Book of Crawling Creatures (Ehon mushi erami)

『画本虫撰』「蚓」「こうろき」|Earthworm (Mimizu); Cricket (Kōrogi), from the Picture Book of Crawling Creatures (Ehon mushi erami) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This page from the Picture Book of Crawling Creatures (Ehon mushi erami) is a woodblock-printed illustration featuring two insects.

About this work

Overview

This page from the Picture Book of Crawling Creatures (Ehon mushi erami) is a woodblock-printed illustration featuring two insects. Created by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1788, it is a representative example of the artist's work in the ukiyo-e genre.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts an earthworm clinging to a leaf on the left and a cricket perched on a stem on the right, set against a light background. The simple composition highlights the natural forms of the insects and their surroundings.

Technique & Style

Utamaro's use of simple lines and soft colors brings the insects to life. The contrast between the smooth body of the earthworm and the detailed legs of the cricket showcases the artist's skill in rendering texture and form.

History & Provenance

This print is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifying the cultural exchange and artistic traditions of 18th-century Japan.