Artwork Page for The Shika Teahouse

Details / Information for The Shika Teahouse

The Shika Teahouse

しか茶屋

early 1790s

Utagawa Toyokuni 歌川 豊国

(Japanese, 1769–1825)
View all records in artwork set
Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
Triptych of color woodblock prints
Measurements
Each: 39.2 x 26.4 cm (15 7/16 x 10 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.1113
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Exotic birds and tobacco—Western imports—feature in this composition. Peacocks and parrots were brought to Japan by Dutch traders in the 1700s. Many of the visitors to this teahouse, which specialized in displays of foreign birds, admire the unusual fowl while sipping tea and smoking long pipes. The birds have attracted curious courtesans, entertainers, samurai, merchants and their wives, and even a Buddhist monk.
A horizontally oriented color woodblock print triptych depicts people with light skin tones in a teahouse garden. On our left, women in patterned robes stand near a pathway. In the center, women sit on low platforms while a servant approaches with tea. On our right, a man in a black robe holds a fan. Muted green, tan, and terracotta dominate the scene. Large aviaries fill the background below vertical calligraphy boxes in the corners.

The Shika Teahouse

early 1790s

Utagawa Toyokuni

(Japanese, 1769–1825)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork