Fireworks at Ryogoku Bridge thumbnail 1
Fireworks at Ryogoku Bridge thumbnail 2
+7
images
On loan
  • On short term loan out for exhibition

Fireworks at Ryogoku Bridge

Woodblock Print
1820-1825 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

People gather to watch fireworks on a summer evening. They wear simply- patterned kimono permitted by the sumptuary laws. These edicts banned expensive red dye, but there was no restriction on using the colour for undergarments or linings. One woman is lifting the hem of her kimono to seductively reveal the red underneath. Wearing the coveted colour in this way became very fashionable, a fleeting glimpse being deemed more sensuous than an overt display.

Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Woodblock Print
  • Woodblock Print
TitleFireworks at Ryogoku Bridge (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Woodblock print on paper
Brief description
Woodblock print hexaptych, 'Fireworks at Ryogoku Bridge' by Utagawa Toyokuni (1769-1825), Japan, Edo (Tokyo), 1820-1825
Physical description
Woodblock print hexaptych. Six sheets. Nishiki-e (full-colour print). Crowds watching a firework display at Ryogoku Bridge in Edo (Tokyo).
Dimensions
  • Height: 72.6cm
  • Depth: 72.6cm
Style
Gallery label
(29/2/2020)
People gather to watch fireworks on a summer evening. They wear simply-patterned kimono permitted by the sumptuary laws. These edicts banned expensive red dye, but there was no restriction on using the colour for undergarments or linings. One woman is lifting the hem of her kimono to seductively reveal the red underneath. Wearing the coveted colour in this way became very fashionable, a fleeting glimpse being deemed more sensuous than an overt display.
Object history
Acquisition method and source not identified in the Asia Department registers, accessioned in 1886. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Summary
People gather to watch fireworks on a summer evening. They wear simply- patterned kimono permitted by the sumptuary laws. These edicts banned expensive red dye, but there was no restriction on using the colour for undergarments or linings. One woman is lifting the hem of her kimono to seductively reveal the red underneath. Wearing the coveted colour in this way became very fashionable, a fleeting glimpse being deemed more sensuous than an overt display.
Bibliographic references
  • Jackson, Anna (editor), Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, London: V&A Publications, 2020
  • Rout, Josephine, Japanese Dress in Detail, London: Thames & Hudson, 2020
Collection
Accession number
E.4900:1, 2-1886

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdAugust 1, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest