Cherry Blossoms in the Wind Japan, Edo Period (1615-1868)

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Cherry Blossoms in the Wind

late 1790s

Utagawa Toyokuni 歌川豊国

(Japanese, 1769–1825)

Japan, Edo Period (1615-1868)

woodblock print, ink and color on paper

Overall: 38.7 x 80 cm (15 1/4 x 31 1/2 in.)

Gift of Jeptha H. Wade in honor of Emily V. Wade 1975.97.a

Location: not on view

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Description

Highly regarded for his images of actors, Toyokuni was also known for his prints of beauties that demonstrate his brilliant skill in composition. This triptych depicts a joyful hanami (flower viewing) scene in spring. One woman stands on a huge wine bottle, while another one sits on a samurai’s shoulder; in both scenes, the women are tying prayers or poems on tree branches. On the left, two servants protect a well-dressed lady from the wind. Their fluttering, long-sleeved kimonos capture the wind’s movement. Standing in a triad, the three groups form a stable, harmonic composition against the cherry blossom background.