Where can I see Daimyō and his Retinue Crossing a Stream in Plain Near Fuji?

Daimyō and his Retinue Crossing a Stream in Plain Near Fuji is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Daimyō and his Retinue Crossing a Stream in Plain Near Fuji?

Daimyō and his Retinue Crossing a Stream in Plain Near Fuji is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Daimyō and his Retinue Crossing a Stream in Plain Near Fuji

Daimyō and his Retinue Crossing a Stream in Plain Near Fuji is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1780 by the Edo‑period artist Kitagawa Utamaro, this woodblock print titled *Daimyō and his Retinue Crossing a Stream in Plain Near Fuji* is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It depicts a small procession moving through a natural landscape, foregrounding a central figure in traditional dress.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a daimyo, a feudal lord, distinguished by his formal kimono and sword. He is flanked by two women—one sheltering herself with a parasol, the other clutching a bird—and a kneeling attendant bearing a box, suggesting a ceremonial or travel context as the group fords a stream.

Technique & Style

Utamō’s composition employs a restrained palette that contrasts the vivid attire of the daimyo with the muted tones of the surrounding trees and water. The arrangement of figures creates diagonal movement, guiding the eye across the scene and imparting a sense of forward motion.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during the height of Utamō’s career, a period noted for his refined portraiture and genre scenes. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the late 20th century, where it remains on display as an example of late‑18th‑century Japanese printmaking.