Portrait of Kinokuniya Bunzaemon

early 1800s

attributed to Utagawa Toyokuni 歌川豊国

(Japanese, 1769–1825)

Culture

Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

Medium

hanging scroll; ink and color on silk

Measurements

Overall: 136.6 x 31.5 cm (53 3/4 x 12 3/8 in.); Within painted borders: 89 x 27.3 cm (35 1/16 x 10 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Mrs. Kelvin Smith 1985.276

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Location

Not on view

Description

Kinokuniya Bunzaemon was one of Edo’s first millionaire merchants. He made his fortune selling lumber, a lucrative and expanding business in Edo that was often ravaged by fire. Well known for his extravagance, he entertained lavishly and was a generous patron of the theater. He was said once to have set gold and lacquer cups afloat on the Sumida River to amuse people downstream. This painting may be an imaginary portrait, as Kinokuniya Bunzaemon died in 1734—35 years before the artist Toyokuni was born.

A patron of the entertainment district and a gourmand, Kinokuniya probably enjoys a New Year’s meal including sushi served on blue-and-white porcelain. The square, tiered box was typically used for serving food for the New Year.