Chrysanthemum Topiaries
Yasukawa Harusada I
(Japanese, 1798–1849)
1844 (Tenpô 15/Kôka 1), 9th month
Medium/TechniqueWoodblock print (sumizuri-e); ink on paper
Dimensions31.5 x 43.5 cm (12 3/8 x 17 1/8 in.)
Credit LineWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession number11.22027
On View
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Collections
This simple black-and-white print is an advertisement for an upcoming event, a chrysanthemum show to be held in the ninth month at Oikebashi in the Nishi Yokobori area of Osaka. In the featured display, living plants have been trained to grow over forms in fanciful shapes including fans, lucky magical objects, and the scenic landscape of Futamigaura, complete with boats, sacred rocks, and even the rising sun. Similar displays can still be seen at Japanese flower shows today.
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.
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.
Yasukawa Harusada I
1835 (Tenpô 6), 8th month
Utagawa Hiroshige I
about 1832–34 (Tenpô 3–5)
Utagawa Hiroshige I