Artwork

摺物帖『春雨集』『花鳥六番之内下野宇都宮』海棠に山雀|Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3: Marsh-tits and Crab Apple Flowers

摺物帖『春雨集』『花鳥六番之内下野宇都宮』海棠に山雀|Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3: Marsh-tits and Crab Apple Flowers is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Teisai Hokuba. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 19th-century Japanese woodblock print, titled 'Marsh-tits and Crab Apple Flowers,' is the third volume of 'Spring Rain Collection (Harusai Shū).' Created around 1820 by Teisai Hokuba, it is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two marsh-tits perched on branches laden with leaves and pale pink crab apple flowers. The birds, detailed in soft whites, grays, and black accents, face each other in a serene, naturalistic pose, emphasizing the tranquility of the scene.

Technique & Style

Teisai Hokuba employed ink and color on paper to craft a predominantly empty background, highlighting the central botanical and avian elements. Delicate strokes and subtle shading, potentially incorporating cross-hatching techniques, imbue the birds with a lifelike quality.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1820, this woodblock print is a privately published surimono mounted in an album. Its current location is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though the full provenance history prior to its acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

As part of 'Spring Rain Collection,' this print reflects the traditional Japanese appreciation for nature and the artistic tradition of capturing seasonal themes through woodblock printing, a prevalent medium during the Edo period.

Legacy

While specific influences or direct artistic legacies of 'Marsh-tits and Crab Apple Flowers' are not outlined, it contributes to the broader legacy of Japanese woodblock printing's global impact on art and design, particularly in its depiction of natural themes.