Recovering the Stolen Jewel from the Palace of the Dragon King
Original title: Recovering the Stolen Jewel from the Palace of the Dragon King
kurzbeschreibung
Utagawa Kuniyoshi made this triptych in 1853, capturing an episode from Chinese legend: the recovery of a jewel from the Dragon King's palace. The colour woodblock print on paper presents a dramatic event at sea, with a large dragon at its centre.
Description
A mighty green dragon-like creature dominates the middle of the print, surrounded by surging waves. Scales cover its body, with red and yellow spots adding accents. Around it, figures and objects are scattered: people struggling against the motion of the waves, an octopus and other sea creatures. The waves pile up powerfully, creating a restless, even chaotic atmosphere. Strong colours shift from blue for the water to green and red on the dragon.
Context
Kuniyoshi was one of the recognised masters of ukiyo-e woodblock printing in the 19th century. Created in 1853, the work falls into a period when Japanese artists often drew on subjects from Chinese mythology and literature. The tale of the Dragon King and the stolen jewel was very popular and also appeared in other Edo-period prints.
Impact
The staging of the event is dramatic; the force of the waves and the presence of the dragon generate strong dynamism. Vivid colours and precise execution hold the gaze while also evoking a sense of chaos; the viewer is drawn into the scene.
Technique
This triptych was produced using woodblock prints, printed with ink and colour on paper. Colour woodblock printing allowed for the finest details and rich tones by cutting a separate printing block for each colour.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)