Ensei, c. 1828-1830
Utagawa Kuniyoshi; Carver: Shinzōexpand_more
Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paperexpand_more
Gift of Louis W. Hill, Jr.expand_more 81.133.154
Not on Viewexpand_more
The poetry circle Hisakataya and Kuniyoshi together created two different series picturing the heroes of the Chinese epic "Water margin" as beautiful women. This print belongs to the later of the two series, published around 1829. The woman depicted here represents Ensei (Yan Qing, in Chinese), one of the youngest among the 108 heroes-a good-looking, fair-skinned man who excelled in music and dance. Her white wide-sleeved robe and lacquered hat are typical attire of shirabyøshi, female song-and-dance entertainers at temple and court festivals during the 12th and the 13th centuries.
Details
- Title
- Ensei
- Artist Life
- 1798 - 1861
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 81.133.154
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Robinson, 1961, no. 16
- 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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