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The First Plum Blossoms of Spring (Ume no sakigake)


「梅の魁」
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1797–1861)
Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburô (Dansendô) (Japanese)
Blockcutter: Matsushima Fusajirô (Horikô Fusajirô, Hori Fusa) (Japanese)
Japanese
Edo period
about 1848–49 (Kaei 1–2)

Medium/Technique Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions Vertical ôban triptych; 36.5 x 76.8 cm (14 3/8 x 30 1/4 in.)
Credit Line William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.27017-9
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsPrints

Catalogue Raisonné MFA, Kuniyoshi & Kunisada (2016), #149; MFA, Printed Treasures (2008), #132; Suzuki et al., Utagawa Kuniyoshi ten (1996), #167; Suzuki 1992, #269
DescriptionTriptych: 11.27017 (left), 11.27018 (center), 11.27019 (right)
Signed Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga (on each sheet)
一勇斎国芳画
Marks Censors' seals: Mera, Murata
Blockcutter's mark: Horikô Fusajirô
改印:米良、村田
彫師:彫工房次郎
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.