Cherry Blossoms in the Wind

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–)

Cherry Blossoms in the Wind

Utagawa Toyokuni

late 1790s

Accession Number

1975.97.b

Medium

woodblock print, ink and color on paper

Dimensions

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

Classification

Print

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

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