The Noda Jewel River, from a hexaptych depicting the Six Jewel Rivers
c. 1781/89
Medium
Color woodblock print; sheet from oban hexaptych
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
18928
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Arts of Asia gallery at the Art Institute of, where we spotlight *The Noda Jewel River*, stunning color woodblock print by Kubo Shunman, around 1781–89. Shunman, a versatile Edo-period artist and poet (1757–1820), was renowned for his ukiyo-e works—"pictures of the floating world"— captured Japan's transient beauties. This sheet forms part of a rare hexaptych, a six-panel composition depicting the legendary Six Jewel Rivers, celebrated in classical Japanese poetry for their crystalline waters and scenic splendor. Printed in the lavish *nishiki-e* (brocade picture) style, this o...
About the Artist
Kubo Shunman · 1757–1820
Japanese, 1757–1820