Artwork
Fusen zu|写真鏡・風船図|Picture of a Balloon
Fusen zu|写真鏡・風船図|Picture of a Balloon is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Miyagi Gengyo. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Fusen zu, or Picture of a Balloon, is a woodblock print created by Miyagi Gengyo in 1860. The print is held in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two men in 19th-century attire standing on a hill, gazing at a hot air balloon. One wears a red coat, the other green, both with top hats. The scene conveys curiosity and wonder as they observe the balloon against a light blue sky with clouds and a large building in the background.
Technique & Style
The work is a woodblock print made with ink and color on paper, showcasing the artist's use of this traditional Japanese technique to depict a scene likely influenced by Western innovations.
Artist & collection
Artist
Miyagi Gengyo left a single woodblock print from 1860, *Picture of a Balloon*, showing a child flying a balloon over a riverbank—simple ink and color on paper.
