Gifts from the Ebb-Tide (The Shell Book) (Shiohi no tsuto)
Original title: Gifts from the Ebb-Tide (The Shell Book) (Shiohi no tsuto) 潮干のつと
kurzbeschreibung
Kitagawa Utamaro published Shiohi no tsuto (Gifts of the Ebb Tide), a shell identification book, in 1789 as a polychrome woodblock volume printed with ink and color on paper. This view shows the book's cover, from a work best known for its closely observed depictions of sea snails.
Description
The cover appears in a dark tone with a marbled structure of blues and greens. A yellow strip runs down the left side, bearing black Japanese characters that give the title. A small white label at the upper right is numbered 47 and reads 'SHIOHI NO TSUTO Book of shells BY UTAMARO'. Cracks and discoloration clearly attest to the paper's age.
Context
The book was made in 1789 during the Edo period, when Japanese color woodblock printing reached a peak. It belongs among nature studies that reflect the era's enthusiasm for native plants and animals. Through cultural exchange, this copy later entered Western collections, as the label on the cover indicates.
Impact
The dark, marbled surface of the cover conveys an elegant yet enigmatic impression, to which the yellow title strip provides a clear counterpoint. Traces of age give the volume a historical aura that underscores its authenticity.
Technique
Several color blocks were used for printing, giving the book its polychrome design. The marbling of the cover was likely achieved through a special paper process in which colors were spread across the surface.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)