Second Illustration of Calligraphy and Painting Party on the Upper Floor of the Manpachiro Restaurant (Manpachiro jo shoga kaiseki no zu, onajiku sono ni)
Medium
Color woodblock print; chuban, surimono
Dimensions
20.2 × 26.8 cm (8 × 10 9/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
81298
Art Historical Context
This vibrant color woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada I (also known as Toyokuni III) captures a lively gathering of artists and poets at the Manpach Restaurant in Edo-period Japan. Created in 1827, the scene depicts the upper floor of the establishment during a calligraphy and painting party, reflecting the refined social customs of the time when literati and creatives came together to share their work. As the second illustration in what appears to be a series, it offers a glimpse into the collaborative and celebratory spirit of these events. Kunisada, one of the most prolific ukiyo-e master...
About the Artist
Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) · 1786–1864
Utagawa Kunisada I, also known as Toyokuni III (1786–1865), was born Sumida Shōgorō in the Honjo district of Edo (modern Tokyo) into a family that operated a hereditary ferry-boat service, providing stability after his father's early death. Displaying prodigious talent in drawing from childhood, he became an apprentice to the master Utagawa Toyokuni I around 1801 at age fifteen, entering the prest...