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美人見立五行 「花の金性」
Metal Sign of Flowers (Hana no kinsei): Woman in Wind, from an untitled series of women for the signs of the Five Elements
美人見立五行 「花の金性」
Japanese
Edo period
about 1818–25 (Bunsei 1–8)
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Vertical ôban; 38.3 x 26.5 cm (15 1/16 x 10 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.13577
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
DescriptionThe title may refer to metallic thread used for the floral pattern on the obi.
The Five Elements (gogyô) are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. There appear to be two similar series of five prints each, one with a title cartouche in the shape of an upright fan, and one with the title cartouche in the shape of a diagonally tilted fan. MFA prints in the two series:
Upright fan: 11.15681 (Wood), 11.15682 (Metal), 11.15742 (Earth)
Tilted fan: 11.13577 (Metal), 11.13675 (Fire), 11.15680 (Wood), 11.15743 (Water)
The Five Elements (gogyô) are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. There appear to be two similar series of five prints each, one with a title cartouche in the shape of an upright fan, and one with the title cartouche in the shape of a diagonally tilted fan. MFA prints in the two series:
Upright fan: 11.15681 (Wood), 11.15682 (Metal), 11.15742 (Earth)
Tilted fan: 11.13577 (Metal), 11.13675 (Fire), 11.15680 (Wood), 11.15743 (Water)
Signed
Toyokuni ga
豊国画
豊国画
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: 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.