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Chigo-ga-fuchi at Enoshima, from the series Newly Published Perspective Pictures

Chigo-ga-fuchi at Enoshima, from the series Newly Published Perspective Pictures

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Not currently on view

Utagawa Toyoharu

Enoshima is a small island at the mouth of the Katase River located about twenty-five miles southwest of Edo. A small inlet forms a pond called Chigo-ga-fuchi. The name derives from a story of unrequited love between the priest Jikyu and a young boy named Shiragiku, a temple servant at nearby Kenchoji Temple. When the boy learned of the priest’s feelings he fled to Enoshima where he drowned himself. The priest followed the boy to his watery grave. Toyoharu’s depiction has little to do with the tragic story, but instead emphasizes the pond’s fame for scenic beauty and ample fishing. Ebisu, the god of fishermen and good fortune, is shown catching sea bream, an auspicious fish. Two boys enthusiastically watch and point as Ebisu hooks the large fish.
Artist
Utagawa Toyoharu
(Japanese, 1735 - 1814)
Title
Chigo-ga-fuchi at Enoshima, from the series Newly Published Perspective Pictures
Date
1770-1780
Medium
Color woodcut
Dimensions
241 x 360 mm Overall
Credit
Bequest of John H. Van Vleck
Accession No.
1980.3079
Classification
Prints
Geography
Japan

Related

By 1925, purchased in Japan by Frank Lloyd Wright; ca. 1926, acquired by The Bank of Wisconsin; 1928, sold to Edward Burr Van Vleck (Madison, WI); 1943, passed through inheritance to Edward’s son, John H. Van Vleck (Madison, WI); 9 January 1980, bequeathed by John H. Van Vleck to the Elvehjem Museum of Art [now called Chazen Museum of Art]

  • Mueller, Laura. "Competition and Collaboration: Japanese Prints of the Utagawa School." Leiden, The Netherlands: Hotei Publishing, 2007. p. 70, no. 20
  • Osumi, Takeshige, ed. "Edward Burr Van Vleck Collection Ukiyo-e Masterpieces Exhibition." Tokyo: Bun You Associates, 1999.
  • Helmstetter, Deidre. "An Early Bridge: Utagawa Toyoharu and His Integrated Designs." Elvehjem Museum of Art Bulletin, 1995-1997. Elvehjem Museum of Art (1997): 57-70. pp. 57-70
  • Elvehjem Museum of Art. "Bulletin/Biennial Report 1995-1997." Madison: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 1998. p. 63

  • Gifts of the Ebb Tide: The Sea in Japanese Prints: Chazen Museum of Art, 6/8/2013–9/1/2013
  • Utagawa: Masters of the Japanese Print, 1770-1900 : Chazen Museum of Art, 3/21/2008–6/15/2008
  • Competition and Collaboration: Japanese Prints of the Utagawa School: Chazen Museum of Art, 11/3/2007–1/6/2008
  • Edward Burr Van Vleck Collection: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 10/13/1999–6/30/2000

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