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凧と踊る子供たち
Children in Costume Dancing and Flying Kites: clockwise from top, Lion Dancer, Manzai Dancer, Chinese Boy, Baby Tender
凧と踊る子供たち
Japanese
Edo period
about 1840–41 (Tenpô 11–12)
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Tanzaku; 31.1 x 11.4 cm (12 1/4 x 4 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.36707
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
DescriptionThe actual threads passing through the hand of the girl at left were probably attached to a miniature kite in the shape of a yakko (footman), printed on a separate piece of paper and attached to the top of the print as suggested by the shadow shape.
Possibly a reference to a kabuki play, as these are the kinds of roles often seen in quick-change dance plays.
Possibly a reference to a kabuki play, as these are the kinds of roles often seen in quick-change dance plays.
Signed
Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga
一勇斎国芳画
一勇斎国芳画
Marks
Censor's seal: kiwame
改印：極
改印：極
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850–d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 19, 2005)
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.