124

About this artwork

Schenking van mevrouw L.J. Boddaert, Delft

Art Historical Context

**Title: 124** *Artist: Ayaoka Yûshin (active late 19th century)**Date: ca. 1880–1890* *Medium: Color woodcut* *Dimensions:223 × 287 mm* into the vibrant world of late 19th-century Japanesemaking with *124*, a delicate color woodcut by Aoka Yûshin. during Japan's Meiji era (1868–1912), a time of rapid modernization and cultural transformation, this modestly sized print (about the size of a standard sheet of paper) exemplifies the enduring tradition of ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world." Though details of its subject remain elusive, Yûshin's work captures the refined artistry of an era when woodblock prints bridged traditional aesthetics with emerging Western influences. Color woodcuts like this one showcase masterful technique: artisans carved separate blocks of cherry wood for each hue, meticulously registering them to layer vivid pigments—often mineral-based for lasting brilliance—onto dampened paper. This labor-intensive process allowed for stunning visual depth in a single impression, making prints accessible yet collectible art forms. Yûshin's piece, from around 1880–1890, reflects the twilight of ukiyo-e's golden age, as photography and new media began to eclipse it. Generously donated by Mrs. L.J. Boddaert of Delft, this work entered the collection as a cherished gift, highlighting early European appreciation for Japanese art during the Japonisme craze. Today, it invites us to ponder the quiet beauty of everyday ephemera preserved through craft and time.