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「酒興教訓草」
The central figure in this triptych of humorous vignettes of drinkers is a symbolic self-portrait. Kyōsai’s art name Seisei could also be pronounced Shōjō, a pun on the name of a mythical red-haired being that loved to drink sake. Kyōsai’s own love of drinking had already led to his separation from the prestigious Kano school of painting despite his great talent, and would cause more trouble for him later in life.
Instructions for Drinking Parties (Shukyô kyôkun-gusa)
「酒興教訓草」
Japanese
Edo period
1864 (Bunkyû 4/Genji 1), 5th month
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Vertical ôban triptych; 37.2 x 73 cm (14 5/8 x 28 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.22690-2
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
The central figure in this triptych of humorous vignettes of drinkers is a symbolic self-portrait. Kyōsai’s art name Seisei could also be pronounced Shōjō, a pun on the name of a mythical red-haired being that loved to drink sake. Kyōsai’s own love of drinking had already led to his separation from the prestigious Kano school of painting despite his great talent, and would cause more trouble for him later in life.
Catalogue Raisonné
Kaikan sanjû shûnen kinen Kawanabe Kyôsai kinen bijutsukan cat. (2008), p. 97, #0704; Bakumatsu Meiji no tensai eshi Kawanabe Kyôsai ten (1998), #112
DescriptionTriptych: 11.22690 (right), 11.22691 (center), 11.22692 (left)
Signed
Kyôsai (hidden on sake barrel in right sheet)
狂斎
狂斎
Marks
Censor's seal: Rat 5 aratame
No blockcutter's mark
改印：子五改
彫師：なし
No blockcutter's mark
改印：子五改
彫師：なし
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.