Bonito and Saxifrage, c. 1832-1833
Utagawa Hiroshige; Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachiexpand_more
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paperexpand_more
Gift of Louis W. Hill, Jr.expand_more P.75.51.584
Not on Viewexpand_more
The combination of a bonito with twigs of cherry suggests early summer, when cherry trees begin to fruit and the season’s first bonitos are caught. Both of the poems on this print refer to hatsu-gatsuo (first bonito), the first catch of the season. Traditionally, the Japanese place a high value on hatsu-mono (first foods), the earliest fruits, vegetables, or fish of a particular season. The “first bonito” was the most prized of all and commanded a high price. People anticipated this seasonal delicacy with much excitement, as described in the poems.
Look at the color of the first bonitos! They are as blue as
morning glories.
No wonder they come along to market before the sun rises.
Toshinokado Haruki
The first bonito caught on the beach
near the place called Under Snow melts like snow in my mouth.
How tasty it is!
Toshiiori Machikado
Details
- Title
- Bonito and Saxifrage
- Artist Life
- 1797 - 1858
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.75.51.584
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Ukiyo-e shūka 14 (1981), Hiroshige list, p. 243, horizontal ōban #091.04[?]
- 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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