A Collection of Witty Poems on Michinoku Paper (Michinoku-gami kyōka awase) 陸奥紙狂歌合
1793
Medium
Ink on paper
Dimensions
13 13/16 x 9 1/16 in. (35.1 x 23 cm)
Classification
Illustrated Books
Culture
Japan
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Harry G. G. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. G. Packard and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest and The Annenberg Fund, Inc. Gift, 1975
Accession Number
JIB182
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan, Utagawa Toyohiro *A Collection of Witty Poems on Michin Paper (Michinokuami kyōka awase)* from 1793 captures the spirit of kyōka—humorous, satirical verses that parodied traditional waka poetry. As a master of the Utagawa, Toyohiro blended delicate ink illustrations with literary wit on luxurious Michinoku paper from northern Japan, known for its soft texture and sheen. This illustrated book, measuring 13 /16 x 9 1/16 inches, exemplifies ukiyo-e's focus on ephemeral pleasures, featuring elegant women, flowing curtains, and poetic inscriptions that invi...
About the Artist
Utagawa Toyohiro · 1763–1828
Utagawa Toyohiro (1763–1828) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist and painter who founded a major branch of the Utagawa school and is best remembered as the teacher of Utagawa Hiroshige, one of the greatest landscape print designers in Japanese art history. Born in Edo (present-day Tokyo), he studied under Utagawa Toyoharu, the founder of the Utagawa school, who was noted for introducing Western perspect...