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梅も下に太鼓と鶏
Rooster on a Drum with a Plum Tree
梅も下に太鼓と鶏
Ryûryûkyo Shinsai (Japanese, 1764?–1820)
Japanese
Edo period
1808 (Bunka 5)
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Horizontal chûban; 18.5 x 26.8 cm (7 5/16 x 10 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.20757
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
A rooster perched upon a signal drum was an image adopted from China—when the drums to signal danger went unused, it is said that roosters would make their homes in them, thus becoming a symbol of peace. Here the rooster is paired with the plum tree, a common image in New Year’s surimono, as it flowered early, blooming even during winter. The dragon design on the front of the drum indicates that this commemorates the New Year of the Dragon.
Signed
Ryûryûkyo Shinsai ga
柳々居辰斎画
柳々居辰斎画
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.