Artwork

Yokohama Hon-chō...ni Miyozaki...kenkin zu|Detailed Print of Yokohama Hon-chō and the Miyozaki Pleasure Quarter

Yokohama Hon-chō...ni Miyozaki...kenkin zu|Detailed Print of Yokohama Hon-chō and the Miyozaki Pleasure Quarter is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide. It dates from 4 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Yokohama Hon-chō.

About this work

Overview

Yokohama Hon-chō...ni Miyozaki...kenkin zu is a triptych woodblock print by Utagawa Sadahide, comprising three interconnected scenes. The work is executed in ink and color on paper, currently part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The triptych captures snapshots of Yokohama's Hon-chō and the Miyozaki Pleasure Quarter. The left panel portrays a serene, open area with a canal, flanked by architecture and foliage. The middle panel shifts to a vibrant, populated street, while the right panel transitions to a coastal scene with boats, a beach, and structures. Red banners and signs punctuate all sections, adding visual vibrancy.

Technique & Style

While created using traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques, the piece's emphasis on light, color, and everyday life bears similarities with Impressionist principles, though it remains rooted in ukiyo-e aesthetics.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid-19th century (exact date not specified in provided sources), the work is now held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Context

This print reflects the transformation and opening of Yokohama to the world during the late Edo period, capturing the blend of traditional and emerging modern elements in the region.

Legacy

As a detailed, visually engaging work by Utagawa Sadahide, it contributes to the historical and artistic record of Yokohama's evolution and the ukiyo-e genre's adaptability to modern themes.

Artist & collection

Artist

Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide

Utagawa Sadahide , also known as Gountei Sadahide, was a Japanese artist best known for his prints in the ukiyo-e style as a member of the Utagawa school.