Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Yashima Gakutei. It dates from 1819 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, created around 1819 by Yashima Gakutei, is an example of surimono, a type of Japanese print that often incorporated poetry. The work features a serene scene with a figure in a white robe, accompanied by a small rabbit and rock formation.
Subject & Meaning
The figure, adorned with a gold crown and holding a yellow cloth, is depicted in a tranquil atmosphere. The inclusion of Japanese writing on the left side of the print suggests a connection to kyōka poetry, a literary form that Gakutei contributed to.
Technique & Style
Gakutei's surimono print showcases his skill with ink and color on paper. The use of a light beige background and delicate details, such as the floral pattern on the figure's robe, demonstrate the artist's attention to detail and mastery of the woodblock printing technique.
Artist & collection
Artist
Yashima Gakutei (Japanese: 八島岳亭; c. 1786 – 1868) was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyōka poetry and surimono works.
Untitled
「一陽連文房四友 硯 伯英」『春雨集』 摺物帖|The Chinese Calligrapher Boying (Japanese: Hakuei; also known as the “Sage of Cursive Script”); “Inkstone” (Suzuri), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū) From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
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Osaka Tenmangu sairei no zu|The Tenmangu Festival at Osaka
「一陽連文房四友 筆 道風」『春雨集』 摺物帖|The Heian Court Calligrapher Ono no Tōfū (894–966); “Calligraphy Brush” (Fude), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
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『和歌三神』 柿本人麻呂|Kakinomoto no Hitomaro (ca. 662–710), One of the Three Gods of PoetryFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
「一陽連文房四友 紙 女凢」『春雨集』 摺物帖 |Nuji (Japanese: Joki; female attendant who compiled writings by Daoist sages); “Paper” (Kami), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
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八島岳亭画 『和歌三神』 山部赤人|Yamabe no Akahito (active 724–736), One of the Three Gods of PoetryFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
Musashibo Benkei Kneeling by a Plum Tree
Ichikawa Danjuro II as a Young Samurai
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Ichikawa Ebizo III as Yanone Goro in Nenriki arahitogami
Ichikawa Raizo as Abe no Seimei
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「一陽連文房四友 墨 玄宗皇帝」『春雨集』 摺物帖 |Emperor Xuanzong (Japanese: Gensō) and Daoist Magician Lo Gongyuan Arising from an Inkstone; “Ink” (Sumi), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
Flautist from The Cave Door of Spring
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