Katsushika Hokusai – (Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1760–1849 Tokyo (Edo))
Category Archives: Japanese paintings – Edo Period
Various moths and butterflies
Various moths and butterflies – Kubo Shunman (Japanese, 1757–1820).
Link:
http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/53813
Daphne odora and Mojisuri-so
Daphne odora and Mojisuri-so by Kubo Shunman (Japanese, 1757–1820)
Daphne odora (winter daphne) is a species of flowering plant in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to China and Japan. It is an evergreen shrub, grown for its very fragrant, fleshy, pale-pink, tubular flowers, each with 4 spreading lobes, and for its glossy foliage. It rarely fruits, producing red berries after flowering.
Mojisuri should mean scattered.
Link:
http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/54100
Gold-Fish in a Glass Bottle
Gold-Fish in a Glass Bottle by Totoya Hokkei (Japanese, 1780–1850).
Hokkei was originally a fishmonger. After studying Japanese painting with Kano Yosen, he became a pupil of the great master Katsushika Hokusai. Hokkei specialized in surimono (woodblock prints privately commissioned by poetry circles of the wealthy and educated citizens of Edo (Tokyo).
He also created book illustrations. Books in old Japan were produced with the same woodblock technique as single sheets.
In Japan, goldfish is a symbol for peace and fortune due to it being coloured and therefore signifying wealth.
Starting in ancient China, various species of carp have been domesticated and reared as food fish for thousands of years. Some of these normally gray or silver species have a tendency to produce red, orange or yellow color mutations; this was first recorded in the Jin Dynasty (265–420).
In 1603, goldfish were introduced to Japan, where the Ryukin and Tosakin varieties were developed. In 1611, goldfish were introduced to Portugal and from there to other parts of Europe.
During the 1620s, goldfish were highly regarded in southern Europe because of their metallic scales, and symbolized good luck and fortune. It became tradition for married men to give their wives a goldfish on their one-year anniversary, as a symbol for the prosperous years to come. This tradition quickly died, as goldfish became more available, losing their status.
Link:
http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/55067
Two Men Wearing Yellow Coats and Straw Hats with Red Bows
Two Men Wearing Yellow Coats and Straw Hats with Red Bows by Yashima Gakutei (Japanese, 1786?–1868)
Link:
Design of Morning–glory and Other Flowers
Design of Morning–glory and Other Flowers by Ogata Kōrin (Japanese, 1658–1716)
Link:
http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/56115
Katsuo Fish with Cherry Buds
Katsuo Fish with Cherry Buds, from the series Uozukushi (Every Variety of Fish) by Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1797–1858 Tokyo (Edo))
Link:
http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/55900
Mountain Dove and Peach Flowers
Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3: Mountain Dove and Peach Flowers by Teisai Hokuba (Japanese, 1771–1844)
Link:
http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/54149
Bora Fish with Camellia
Bora Fish with Camellia, from the series Uozukushi (Every Variety of Fish) by Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1797–1858 Tokyo (Edo))
Link:
http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/55898
Sparrows and Dandelions
Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3: Sparrows and Dandelions by Teisai Hokuba (Japanese, 1771–1844)
Link:
http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/54148