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Chanter, from an untitled set of Five Musicians (Gonin-bayashi)


五人囃子 唄
Torii Kiyonaga (Japanese, 1752–1815)
Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi (Eijudô) (Japanese)
Japanese
Edo period
about 1783 (Tenmei 3)

Medium/Technique Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions Vertical chûban; 26.7 x 19.8 cm (10 1/2 x 7 13/16 in.)
Credit Line William S. and John T. Spaulding Collection
Accession Number21.8411
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsPrints

Catalogue Raisonné Chiba Museum, Torii Kiyonaga (2007), list #181-1 (no photo); Ukiyo-e shûka 2 (1985), list #227.1, pl. 108; Hirano, Kiyonaga (1939), #555, pl. XXXII
DescriptionMFA impressions: 11.19353, 21.8411

Hirano points out that the designs on the kimono suggest the Five Festivals, as follows:
Chanter: New Year (1/1)
Flute Player: The Doll Festival (3/3)
Small Hand Drum: The Boys' Festival (5/5)
Large Hand Drum: The Tanabata Festival (7/7)
Drum on Stand: The Chrysanthemum Festival (9/9)
Signed Kiyonaga ga
清長画
ProvenanceSpring 1913, purchased by William S. and John T. Spaulding from Frank Lloyd Wright; December 1, 1921, given by William S. and John T. Spaulding to the Museum.