Artwork

Gok'koku o Gankirō sakamori no zu|The Five Nations Enjoying a Drunken Revel at the Gankirō Tea House

Gok'koku o Gankirō sakamori no zu|The Five Nations Enjoying a Drunken Revel at the Gankirō Tea House is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Yoshiiku. It dates from 12 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Utagawa Yoshiiku’s triptych, titled *The Five Nations Enjoying a Drunken Revel at the Gankirō Tea House*, is a multi‑panel woodblock print composed of ink and color on paper. Executed in the early nineteenth century, the work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and presents a festive interior scene in vivid hues.

Subject & Meaning

The three panels portray a convivial gathering inside the Gankirō tea house, where men and women in traditional dress share drinks, laughter, and conversation. Attire varies from black jackets to blue kimonos, underscoring a relaxed, social atmosphere that celebrates communal enjoyment and the pleasures of leisure.

Technique & Style

Yoshiiku employed the ukiyo‑e woodblock method, carving separate blocks for each color and layering them to achieve bright, saturated tones. The composition uses bold outlines and a dynamic arrangement of figures, while the background of blue‑and‑white fans and a red table provides a striking contrast that heightens the scene’s vitality.

History & Provenance

Created around 1812, the print entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century. Its preservation in paper format reflects the durability of the woodblock process and the museum’s commitment to conserving Japanese print media.

Context

During the Edo period, tea houses served as popular venues for socializing, and prints depicting such settings catered to a growing urban audience fascinated by everyday life. Yoshiiku’s work aligns with this trend, offering a snapshot of contemporary leisure while showcasing the artist’s skill in rendering lively group scenes.