Artwork

『画本虫撰』「蛙」「こかねむし」|Frog (Kaeru); Gold Beetle (Kogane mushi), from the Picture Book of Crawling Creatures (Ehon mushi erami)

『画本虫撰』「蛙」「こかねむし」|Frog (Kaeru); Gold Beetle (Kogane mushi), 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.

About this work

Overview

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

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two creatures in distinct settings: a frog clinging to a lily pad floating on water, and a beetle on a flat surface surrounded by small rocks. The accompanying text likely provides information about the creatures.

Technique & Style

The illustration is characterized by soft colors and clean lines, with the frog and beetle rendered in quiet precision. The use of subtle coloration and detailed drawing creates a sense of intimacy and observation.

History & Provenance

This page is part of a book created in 1788 by Kitagawa Utamaro, a Japanese artist known for his ukiyo-e prints. The print is now held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.