Artwork

石橋物|Two Dancers Performing a “Shakkyōmono” Kabuki Dance, from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō), vol. 3

石橋物|Two Dancers Performing a “Shakkyōmono” Kabuki Dance, from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō), vol. 3 is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kubo Shunman. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print is part of the Spring Rain Surimono Album, created by Kubo Shunman around 1808. It is one of a series of privately published prints mounted in an album.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two women dancing in elaborate kimonos, one holding a fan and the other a branch of flowers, likely peonies, a symbol commonly used in Japanese art. The scene is a representation of a 'Shakkyōmono' Kabuki dance.

Technique & Style

The print features bold patterns on the kimonos and uses ink and color on paper. The background is plain, while the women's faces are subtly blurred. Japanese text is inscribed along the right side of the print.

History & Provenance

The print is now held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was created as a surimono, a type of woodblock print made for private circulation as a gift, rather than for mass production.