Jewel of the Full Tide (Manju), from the series "The Palace of the Dragon King (Ryugu)"
Medium
Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono
Dimensions
20.8 × 18.5 cm (8 1/4 × 7 5/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
81536
Art Historical Context
Ryuryukyo Shinsai’s “Jewel of the Full Tide (Manju)” is a delicate color woodblock print created in 1820 as part of the series “The Palace of the Dragon King (Ryugu).” Measuring just 20.8 by 18.5 centimeters, the work belongs to the shikishiban surimono format—a square, privately commissioned print often produced for poetry circles and special occasions. These luxurious editions allowed artists to explore fine detail and subtle color gradations beyond the commercial constraints of standard ukiyo-e sheets. The title evokes the legendary underwater palace of the Dragon King, a setting drawn fro...