The Jeweled Chaplet
Original title: The Jeweled Chaplet
kurzbeschreibung
Utagawa Kuniyoshi's colour woodblock print 'The Jewelled Diadem' (Japanese: 'Hōkan no kazari') dates from around 1845–46 and shows a woman locked in combat with a giant octopus. The subject draws on the well-known tale of the diver Tamatori (Shirahime). The sheet is executed as an ukiyo-e woodblock print in ink and colour on paper.
Description
A female figure in a long, brightly coloured robe and a hairband steps forward in the foreground; she holds a sword and faces a huge, fearsome octopus. A boat on the water can be made out in the distance, beside it a band of text. Blue, red and beige dominate the palette, giving the scene liveliness and movement. The arrangement feels clear, with figures sharply outlined and rendered in strong colours, as is typical of ukiyo-e.
Context
A major figure of the nineteenth-century ukiyo-e school, Utagawa Kuniyoshi is known for depictions of heroes, legends and supernatural beings. This print was made in the late Edo period, when Kuniyoshi often took up historical and mythical subjects. The story of Tamatori, who retrieves a pearl from the dragon palace, was a favourite motif in Japanese art and literature. The sheet belongs to a series devoted to famous heroines and legends of Japan.
Impact
Dramatic tension arises from the contrast between the delicate woman and the monstrous octopus. Bold colours and a dynamic layout give the image a lively, almost theatrical presence. The viewer is drawn into the action, which stirs both fear and admiration for the courageous protagonist.
Technique
The ukiyo-e woodblock print used several woodblocks, one for each colour. Ink and colours were printed on paper; the sharp contours correspond to the nishiki-e style. The precise execution demonstrates Kuniyoshi's skill in colouring and detail.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)