Giraffe, second half 19th century
Matsuoka Kansuiexpand_more
Ink and colors on silkexpand_more
The John R. Van Derlip Fund; purchase from the collection of Elizabeth and Willard Clarkexpand_more 2013.31.92
Not on Viewexpand_more
Like lions and rhinoceroses, giraffes are non-native to Japan. The first live pair of giraffes came to Japan in 1907, purchased for the Ueno Imperial Zoological Gardens (now Ueno Zoo in Tokyo) from a German merchant of wild animals. Prior to that, civil servant and naturalist Tanaka Yoshio brought back a taxidermied giraffe from the Centennial International Exhibition of 1877 in Philadelphia. Kansui likely had the opportunity to observe the taxidermy, given his accurate rendering of the spotted coat, proportions, and general appearance. Previous depictions of the giraffe, drawn based on Jonston’s illustration in Historiae naturalis, showed the creature with circular spots like a leopard’s coat and very short hind legs. Kansui employed shading on the body, demonstrating his
awareness of Western painting conventions.
Details
- Title
- Giraffe
- Artist Life
- 1830 - 1887
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.31.92
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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