Butterflies (Kochô), from the series A Set of Five Designs for the Katsushika Group: Textiles Dyed the Colors of Spring Dawn (Katsushika goban haru no akebono-zome)

Yashima Gakutei (Japanese, 1786?–1868)

about 1830 (Bunsei 13/Tenpô 1)

Medium/TechniqueWoodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper

DimensionsShikishiban; 21.4 x 18.8 cm (8 7/16 x 7 3/8 in.)

Credit LineWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession number11.19861

On View

Not on view

ClassificationsPrints

Collections

InscriptionsPoem by Hakujitsuen Ganju: Taoyame ka/ kasashi no chô wa/ yuiwake no/ ume no afura no/ kao ya shitaheru Poem by Keikyûsha Tadamori: Saohime ka/ yanagi no kami mo/ yûgeshô/ beni sasu sora ni/ chô no oshiroi Poem by Hakumôsha: Iro asenu/ kasumi no kinu no/ murasaki ni/ haru no moyô ya/ chô no surihaku たおやめか　かさしの蝶は　結わけの　梅のあふらの　かをやしたへる　　向日園岩主佐保姫か　柳のかミも　夕化粧　紅さすそらに　蝶のおしろい　　鶏鳴舎忠守色あせぬ　かすミのきぬの　むらさきに　春のもやうや　蝶のすり箔　　白毛舎

ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)

NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.