Image

A desaturated, noticeably aged woodblock print of intricate orange and blue peonies with dark leaves. The flowers are against a textured blue background that features calligraphy script across the top.
A desaturated, noticeably aged woodblock print of intricate orange and blue peonies with dark leaves. The flowers are against a textured blue background that features calligraphy script across the top.
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Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳

Colorful Peonies and Lion Dogs (深見草獅子彩色 Fukamigusa shishi no irodori)

Description

Maker

Attributed to Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳 (Japanese, 1798-1861

Title

Colorful Peonies and Lion Dogs (深見草獅子彩色 Fukamigusa shishi no irodori)

Period

Edo Period

Year

1847-1852

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

color, ink

Supports

Geography

Place Made: Japan; Place Made: Tokyo

Dimensions

Vertical ōban: 37.3 x 25.6 cm (14 11/16 x 10 1/16 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Inscription Text/Poem: 富み草
こうも
自在に
獅子王の
鼻も
花なれ
花も
はななれ

Signature: unsigned

Seals: Censors' seals | Hama Yahei (top) | Kinugasa Fusajiro

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Object Number

34.394

Type

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

The Artistry of Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Oct 07, 2023 – Apr 28, 2024

Label copy

Kuniyoshi was known for his playful illustrations, as seen in these colorful tree peonies that—on closer look—are composed of lion dogs (shishi (獅子). Peonies and lion dogs have long been symbols of wealth in East Asian traditions. By combining this imagery with a poem about fortune and prestige, this print was probably made to convey good wishes for an auspicious occasion.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Dec 10, 1997 – Mar 08, 1998

Use & Feedback

Image use

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This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Attributed to Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳 (Japanese, 1798-1861
b. in Edo, Japan), artist
Colorful Peonies and Lion Dogs (深見草獅子彩色 Fukamigusa shishi no irodori), 1847-1852
Polychrome woodblock print
Vertical ōban: 37.3 x 25.6 cm (14 11/16 x 10 1/16 inches)
Gift of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. 34.394

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