Artwork

「三ひらの内」松・牡丹に孔雀|Peacock on Pine Tree and Peonies, from the series Three Sheets (Mihira no uchi)

「三ひらの内」松・牡丹に孔雀|Peacock on Pine Tree and Peonies, from the series Three Sheets (Mihira no uchi) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Totoya Hokkei. It dates from 1814 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, 'Peacock on Pine Tree and Peonies, from the series Three Sheets,' was created by Totoya Hokkei around 1814. It is part of an album of surimono prints held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a peacock and a crane-like bird on a rocky outcropping, surrounded by a pine tree and peonies. The peacock's elaborate plumage is rendered in blue and gold, while Japanese text runs along the top edge of the composition.

Technique & Style

The artist achieved a textured effect on the peacock's feathers using tiny lines to create shading, a common technique in woodblock printing for adding depth. The use of ink and color on paper contributes to the overall visual style of the print.