Artwork Page for Sanjo Kantaro as a Young Woman Standing in a Wisteria Arbor

Details / Information for Sanjo Kantaro as a Young Woman Standing in a Wisteria Arbor

Sanjo Kantaro as a Young Woman Standing in a Wisteria Arbor

c. early or mid 1730s

Torii Kiyonobu I 鳥居 清信

(Japanese, 1664–1729)
Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
color woodblock print
Measurements
Sheet: 29.8 x 15.2 cm (11 3/4 x 6 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.1128
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This rare, hand-colored print incorporates a technique called urushi-e, literally "lacquer picture," in which the artist paints deer glue over areas of black pigment, producing a lustrous effect reminiscent of lacquer. Metal filings were sometimes sprinkled onto the pigment for decorative effect. Kiyonobu’s prints are characteristically hand-colored and outlined in black. Inspired by a family tradition of painters of Kabuki posters, Kiyonobu created prints mainly of actors and scenes from plays.
A vertically oriented woodblock print in yellow, tan, and black centers an elegantly robed figure standing under a wisteria arbor. The figure wears a kimono with large peony patterns and a butterfly crest, tilting their head upward. Above, vines of yellow wisteria hang from the trellis. To the sides, pointed iris leaves grow from the ground. A horizontal banner with script spans the bottom. Strong black outlines define the scene.

Sanjo Kantaro as a Young Woman Standing in a Wisteria Arbor

c. early or mid 1730s

Torii Kiyonobu I

(Japanese, 1664–1729)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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