A Giant Radish, Chrysanthemums, and Ferns
About 1820
Medium
Color woodblock print; surimono
Dimensions
21.5 × 19 cm (8 1/2 × 7 1/2 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
23525
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the enchanting world of Japanese surimono at the Art Institute of Chicago. *A Giant Radish,anthemums, and Fern*, created around 1820 by Ryuryukyo Shinsai (1790–1848), is a exquisite color woodblock print measuring just 21.5 × 19 cm. Shinsai, a master of the ukiyo-e tradition during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868), specialized in these intimate, privately commissioned prints, which were far more luxurious than everyday ukiyo-e. Unlike typical ukiyo-e scenes of courtesans or kabuki actors, this still life playfully celebrates nature's bounty: an oversized radish steals the show alongs...