Second Illustration of Calligraphy and Painting Party on the Upper Floor of the Manpachiro Restaurant (Manpachiro jo shoga kaiseki no zu, onajiku sono ni)

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 masters of his generation, rendered the composition as a chuban-sized surimono—a privately commissioned print often featuring poetry and fine details. These luxurious works were printed on high-quality paper with delicate embossing and metallic accents, distinguishing them from more commercial prints. The medium highlights the era’s appreciation for elegant, intimate art forms that blended visual storytelling with literary culture. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Arts of Asia collection, this print preserves a moment of artistic camaraderie from 19th-century Japan. Its modest scale invites close viewing, much as the original guests might have appreciated the shared creativity unfolding above the bustling restaurant below.

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...