Rijtuig van chrysanten

About this artwork

kleurenhoutsnede; lijnblok in zwart met kleurblokken

Art Historical Context

Created in Japan during the late Meiji period, “Rijtuig van chrysanten” (Carriage of Chrysanthemums) reflects a time when traditional woodblock printing continued to flourish even as the country embraced modernization. Artist Ayaoka Yûshin employed the classic color woodcut technique, using a black key block to define outlines and separate color blocks to apply vibrant hues. The modest dimensions—roughly the size of a large postcard—suggest the print was intended for personal enjoyment or as a collectible souvenir. Chrysanthemums, long associated with the Japanese imperial family, likely lend the image a layer of symbolic elegance, evoking both seasonal beauty and refined courtly imagery. The medium itself highlights Japan’s centuries-old mastery of ukiyo-e methods, where multiple carved blocks align with precision to produce luminous, layered effects unattainable in single-block prints. This small yet intricate work invites viewers to appreciate how everyday and fantastical subjects alike were celebrated through one of the world’s most sophisticated printmaking traditions.