Insect · Mushroom · Flower · Bird Painting

Author: Wu Guiyu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Features: Ukiyo-e, referring to the genre of folk paintings from the Edo period in Japan. The term "ukiyo" originates from Buddhist language, meaning the myriad phenomena of the world, or the social realities one sees and hears. By the late 17th century, it was adopted by Japanese scholars in the field of art, giving rise to ukiyo-e. The production method of ukiyo-e first involved more expensive ink paintings, followed by the well-known woodblock prints. Ukiyo-e includes folk paintings centered on beautiful women, performer paintings depicting Kabuki actors, as well as landscapes, flowers, birds, insects, and plants. Among these, the beautiful women and performer paintings, which are collectively known as the two major themes of ukiyo-e, are renowned for their unique charm, attracting worldwide attention and being widely preserved in major museums around the world. Kitō Masami, known for his expertise in creating albums, illustrations, and ink paintings, is celebrated for his work "Seiha Kairin Zuikai" (Collection of Paintings of Exotic Birds and Flowers). This is not only one of his representative works but is also widely recognized as a masterpiece in modern albums for its exquisite and beautiful illustrations. Kitaoka Utagawa's "Mushi Shū" is an album that celebrates insects, with each painting accompanied by famous utai () and a variety of plants. The delicate and meticulous depictions bring the scenes to life, full of vitality and dynamism. "Hyakken Tōkō Gasshū" is another series of flower-and-bird paintings by Kitaoka Utagawa, inspired by his earlier work "Mushi Shū."