Print (19th century, Met-Objekt 4682)
Original title: Print
kurzbeschreibung
This 19th-century woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi presents a figure in traditional Japanese dress, clearly caught in motion. The work is executed in ink and color on paper and measures 34.6 × 24.4 cm.
Description
A single figure with a flowing robe dominates the image, holding what appears to be a book or scroll. The legs are spread wide and one arm is bent—a stance that suggests dynamic action. Behind the figure, branches with blossoms, likely cherry, emerge. Brown and red tones dominate the palette, with accents of blue and white. In the lower left, Chinese characters and a red seal stand out.
Context
Kuniyoshi ranks among the outstanding artists of 19th-century ukiyo-e woodblock printing, famed for his images of warriors, heroes, and historical events. This print dates from the Edo or early Meiji period, when woodblocks circulated widely as a mass medium for art and literature. The combination of figural scene, calligraphy, and seal points to a narrative or historical tradition often found in Kuniyoshi's work.
Impact
From the first glance, the lively, almost dramatic tension between the expansive pose and the calm areas of color captivates. The contrast of tones heightens the dynamism, while the blossoming branches provide a counterpoint, giving the image a poetic resonance. The viewer's eye follows the figure's movement and finds a quiet resting point in the blossoms.
Technique
For this print, the design was cut into wood and transferred to paper with ink and color. The use of multiple colors and extremely fine lines testifies to the high level of craftsmanship that distinguishes Japanese prints of this era.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)