What movement is 『上野公園開花図』|Blossoming Cherry Trees in Ueno Park (Ueno kōen kaika zu)?

『上野公園開花図』|Blossoming Cherry Trees in Ueno Park (Ueno kōen kaika zu) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

『上野公園開花図』|Blossoming Cherry Trees in Ueno Park (Ueno kōen kaika zu)

『上野公園開花図』|Blossoming Cherry Trees in Ueno Park (Ueno kōen kaika zu) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Yōshū (Hashimoto) Chikanobu. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Blossoming Cherry Trees in Ueno Park is a triptych woodblock print created in 1888 by Yōshū Chikanobu, now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene conveys a sense of leisure amidst the iconic seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms, a common motif in Japanese art symbolizing spring.

The print depicts three figures under blooming cherry blossoms in a park setting. A man in a dark military uniform with red and gold trim stands centrally, flanked by a woman in a purple robe with green and red sashes holding a fan, and a child in a red dress. The scene conveys a sense of leisure amidst the iconic seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms, a common motif in Japanese art symbolizing spring.

Technique & Style

Executed in ink and color on paper, the triptych format and woodblock print technique are characteristic of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e art. Vibrant colors, particularly the dominant pink of the blossoms, and detailed rendering of textures (e.g., uniforms, fabrics, lattice windows) showcase Chikanobu's mastery of the medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1888, the work is attributed to Yōshū Chikanobu, a late Edo to early Meiji period artist known for his ukiyo-e prints. It is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Context

Set in Ueno Park, a well-known location for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), the print captures a popular leisure activity of the time. The military uniform suggests a contemporary (late 19th century) setting, blending traditional themes with modern elements of the Meiji era.

Artist & collection

Artist

Yōshū (Hashimoto) Chikanobu

Japanese, 1838–1912

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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