Spring Mountains, no. 2
Woodblock Print
ca. 1830 (Made)
ca. 1830 (Made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Even without the second pair of prints that would have formed the right-hand half of this work, Hokkei’s composition is full of dynamism and interest. Two tengu (bird-like mythical creatures) tumble headlong against the backdrop of a waterfall, while the legendary mountain hag Yamauba (sometimes Yamamba) sits at the foot of a tree.
Half human and half spirit, Yamauba trapped and devoured travellers and children. However, she also took in and raised the orphan Kintaro, a popular hero in Japanese tales, and as such she is sometimes depicted as a motherly figure.
These two prints are examples of surimono: privately published prints produced in small numbers, often to private commission. Not intended for commercial production, such prints are often of the highest quality, employing expensive papers and labour-intensive techniques.
Half human and half spirit, Yamauba trapped and devoured travellers and children. However, she also took in and raised the orphan Kintaro, a popular hero in Japanese tales, and as such she is sometimes depicted as a motherly figure.
These two prints are examples of surimono: privately published prints produced in small numbers, often to private commission. Not intended for commercial production, such prints are often of the highest quality, employing expensive papers and labour-intensive techniques.
Object details
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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Titles |
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Materials and techniques | |
Brief description | Woodblock print diptych, 'Spring Mountains, No. 2' by Totoya Hokkei, surimono print, Japan, ca. 1830 Pap, Japan, prints |
Physical description | Vertical diptych print, two tengu (bird-like mythical creatures) fly down to Yamauba who holds an axe |
Styles | |
Credit line | Given by the Misses Alexander |
Summary | Even without the second pair of prints that would have formed the right-hand half of this work, Hokkei’s composition is full of dynamism and interest. Two tengu (bird-like mythical creatures) tumble headlong against the backdrop of a waterfall, while the legendary mountain hag Yamauba (sometimes Yamamba) sits at the foot of a tree. Half human and half spirit, Yamauba trapped and devoured travellers and children. However, she also took in and raised the orphan Kintaro, a popular hero in Japanese tales, and as such she is sometimes depicted as a motherly figure. These two prints are examples of surimono: privately published prints produced in small numbers, often to private commission. Not intended for commercial production, such prints are often of the highest quality, employing expensive papers and labour-intensive techniques. |
Collection | |
Accession number | E.3825:1, 2-1916 |
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Record created | November 23, 2006 |
Record URL |
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