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.
Provenance
Jeptha H. Wade III [1924–2008], Massachusetts, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?–1975); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1975–)
Accession Number
1975.97
Medium
Triptych of woodblock prints, ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Overall: 38.7 x 80 cm (15 1/4 x 31 1/2 in.)
Classification
Credit Line
Gift of Jeptha H. Wade in honor of Emily V. Wade