Ōban gold coin and mameita-gin silver “bean coin” against peony-motif decorated paper
1822, year of the horse
Medium
Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
8 1/4 x 7 1/8 in. (21 x 18.1 cm)
Classification
Prints
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Estate of Samuel Isham, 1914
Accession Number
JP1041
Art Historical Context
Created in 1822 during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), this exquisite woodblock print (surono) by Watanabe Kazan the allure of wealth through gleaming depictions of an ōban gold coin and a mameita-gin silver " coin" laid against richly patterned peony-motif. Kazan, a versatile artist known for his refined ukiyo-e style and literati influences, produced this intimate work—measuring just 8¼ x 7⅛ inches—as a privately commissioned piece, typical of surimono. These luxury prints, often shared among elite circles for New Year's greetings or announcements, featured superior craftsmanship like vibran...
About the Artist
Watanabe Kazan · 1793–1841
Japanese, 1793–1841