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狂斎百図 「異人児遊」
Many of Kyōsai’s early works express anxiety about the foreigners who began appearing in Japan in increasing numbers after the port of Yokohama opened in 1860. But from the beginning, he was also aware of the appealing, human side of the exotic newcomers, as shown by this scene of children playing. In later life, he became friends with a number of foreigners who attended his painting gatherings.
Foreign Children at Play (Ijin jiyû), from the series One Hundred Pictures by Kyôsai (Kyôsai hyakuzu)
狂斎百図 「異人児遊」
Kawanabe Kyôsai (Japanese, 1831–1889)
Japanese
Edo period
1863–66 (Bunkyû 3–Keiô 2)
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Vertical yotsugiri (quarter ôban); 18.5 x 12.5 cm (7 5/16 x 4 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.36993
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
Many of Kyōsai’s early works express anxiety about the foreigners who began appearing in Japan in increasing numbers after the port of Yokohama opened in 1860. But from the beginning, he was also aware of the appealing, human side of the exotic newcomers, as shown by this scene of children playing. In later life, he became friends with a number of foreigners who attended his painting gatherings.
Catalogue Raisonné
Osaka City Mus., Edo no giga (2018), #227; Kaikan sanjû shûnen kinen Kawanabe Kyôsai kinen bijutsukan cat. (2008), p. 103, #0792 (sheet of 4); Oikawa and Yamaguchi, Kyôsai no giga (1992), #95
DescriptionMFA impressions:
Uncut sheet: 11.45393.15
Left side only: 11.36993, 11.45800.44
Uncut sheet: 11.45393.15
Left side only: 11.36993, 11.45800.44
Signed
Seisei Kyôsai
惺々狂斎
惺々狂斎
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850–d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 19, 2005)
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.