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「今様伊勢物かたり」
Plate glass strong enough to make a picture window or a large aquarium was developed in Europe during the 19th century and was first used for large-scale architecture (the Crystal Palace in London) in 1851. It is just barely possible that Dutch traders might have brought samples of the new material to Japan by the time this print was made. However, it is much more likely that the fabulous aquarium shown here was invented by the artist to complement the elaborate bird cages in this imaginary scene of the lifestyle of the nobility.
A Modern Version of Tales of Ise (Imayô Ise monogatari)
「今様伊勢物かたり」
Japanese
Edo period
1847–52 (Kôka 4–Kaei 5)
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Vertical ôban triptych; 35.7 x 72.7 cm (14 1/16 x 28 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.27020-2
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
Plate glass strong enough to make a picture window or a large aquarium was developed in Europe during the 19th century and was first used for large-scale architecture (the Crystal Palace in London) in 1851. It is just barely possible that Dutch traders might have brought samples of the new material to Japan by the time this print was made. However, it is much more likely that the fabulous aquarium shown here was invented by the artist to complement the elaborate bird cages in this imaginary scene of the lifestyle of the nobility.
DescriptionTriptych: 11.27020 (left), 11.27021 (center), 11.27022 (right)
Signed
Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga (on each sheet)
一勇斎国芳画
一勇斎国芳画
Marks
Censors' seals: Kinugasa, Yoshimura
No blockcutter's mark
改印：衣笠、吉村
彫師：なし
No blockcutter's mark
改印：衣笠、吉村
彫師：なし
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.