Shiki no sugatami (0016)

Art Historical Context

Created in 1842 by the renowned ukiyo-e master Utagawa Kunisada I (also known as Toyokuni III), *Shiki no sugatami* is a charming three-volume color woodblock printed book measuring just 22.4 × 15.2 cm. Kunisada, one of the most prolific artists of Japan’s late Edo period, was celebrated for his vibrant depictions of actors, beautiful women, and everyday life. This compact format made art and literature accessible to a wide audience beyond the elite. Woodblock printing allowed for the mass production of richly illustrated books, combining delicate line work with bold colors. Such volumes often served as visual companions to poetry, seasonal themes, or popular stories, reflecting the cultural fascination with the changing seasons and the fleeting beauty of the floating world. Housed in the Arts of Asia department at the Art Institute of Chicago, this work offers visitors a glimpse into the sophisticated print culture of 19th-century Japan, where artistry met everyday enjoyment.

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...