Utensils for Tea and a Cake-Bowl

Art Historical Context

Kikugawa Eizan (1787–1867), a master of ukiyo-e woodblock during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), created *Utensils for Tea a Cake-Bowl* in the 19th century This intimate surimono—a deluxe, privately commissioned print—depicts everyday yet elegant tea ware, including teapots and a bowl, rendered in vibrant ink and color on paper Measuring just 5⅝ × 7⅜ inches, its compact size was ideal for personal albums or New Year's greetings, showcasing Eizan's skill in capturing subtle textures and serene compositions. Surimono like this one stand out for their refined printing techniques, often featuring embossing, mica flecks, and precise color registration to evoke luxury. Eizan, known for his bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), here turns his eye to still life, highlighting the refined aesthetics of Japanese tea culture (chanoyu). These utensils symbolize harmony and mindfulness, central to Edo society's appreciation for simple pleasures amid urban prosperity. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's H. O. Havemeyer Collection, this print offers a window into 19th-century Japan's artistic innovation, blending functionality with poetic beauty for elite patrons. A delightful nod to tradition in a changing world.

About the Artist

Kikugawa Eizan · 1787–1867

Kikukawa Eizan (1787–1867), born Toshinobu Ōmiya in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), emerged as one of the late Edo period's foremost ukiyo-e artists, specializing in the delicate art of *bijin-ga*—depictions of beautiful women imbued with poetic grace. The son of Kikugawa Eiji, a painter in the Kanō school tradition known for fans and minor works, Eizan began his training under his father. He later studie...