Patterns of Yayoi
Woodblock Print
1784-1785 (made)
1784-1785 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This unsigned print was designed by Hokusai early in his career, when he was using the name Shunrô. He shows a courtesan and her attendants framed by cherry blossom cascading from the boughs above their heads. The courtesan, brush and paper in hand, is composing a poem to capture this moment.
Active for over seventy years, Hokusai was a highly prolific artist. His works include some of the most iconic and well-known prints of the ukiyo-e genre. Also, because his output was so large, new discoveries are sometimes made. This particular print, in the collections of the V&A since 1886, was recently identified as an early example of his work. It is believed to be the only existing impression of the design in the world.
Active for over seventy years, Hokusai was a highly prolific artist. His works include some of the most iconic and well-known prints of the ukiyo-e genre. Also, because his output was so large, new discoveries are sometimes made. This particular print, in the collections of the V&A since 1886, was recently identified as an early example of his work. It is believed to be the only existing impression of the design in the world.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Patterns of Yayoi |
| Materials and techniques | Woodblock print on paper |
| Brief description | Woodblock print 'Patterns of Yayoi' by Katsukawa Shunchō (fl ca.1780-1795), Japan, 1784-1785 |
| Physical description | Woodblock print. Ōban format, nishiki-e (full-colour print). Figures on plain ground. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Object history | Purchased from S. M. Franck & Co., accessioned in 1886. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. |
| Summary | This unsigned print was designed by Hokusai early in his career, when he was using the name Shunrô. He shows a courtesan and her attendants framed by cherry blossom cascading from the boughs above their heads. The courtesan, brush and paper in hand, is composing a poem to capture this moment. Active for over seventy years, Hokusai was a highly prolific artist. His works include some of the most iconic and well-known prints of the ukiyo-e genre. Also, because his output was so large, new discoveries are sometimes made. This particular print, in the collections of the V&A since 1886, was recently identified as an early example of his work. It is believed to be the only existing impression of the design in the world. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.12519-1886 |
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| Record created | November 6, 2006 |
| Record URL |
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