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Fireworks at Ryogoku

Fireworks at Ryogoku

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Utagawa Toyokuni

The display of fireworks at Ryogoku Bridge was a recurring theme in ukiyo-e prints. This annual festival marked the opening of the pleasure boating season on the Sumida River. Since the event was held outdoors, inhabitants of Edo from all levels of society could take part and enjoy it. The elaborate pleasure boats included covered areas for entertainment by geisha and musicians, as well as attendants to serve wealthy clients. The most exclusive boats were known by poetic names such as Kawaichi, Yoshino, and Utagawa. Toyokuni has named only one pleasure boat in this composition: Utagawa, or “lyrical river.” Using the artist’s and school’s namesake appears to be a form of playful self-promotion. The multitudes on the bridge, including small children and infants, are shown enjoying themselves in the heat of the night, dressed in summer fashions and carrying fans to cool themselves. Under the bridge, characters respond to a standing courtesan (in the bottom, middle sheet) who appears drunk and about to topple overboard.
Artist
Utagawa Toyokuni
(Japanese, 1769 - 1825)
Title
Fireworks at Ryogoku
Date
ca. 1825
Medium
Color woodcut
Dimensions
771 x 798 mm Overall
Credit
Bequest of John H. Van Vleck
Accession No.
1980.3205a-f
Classification
Prints
Geography
Japan

Related

By 1940, acquired by 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. pp. 104-105, no. 70
  • Osumi, Takeshige, ed. "Edward Burr Van Vleck Collection Ukiyo-e Masterpieces Exhibition." Tokyo: Bun You Associates, 1999.
  • Chazen Museum of Art. "Bulletin 2003-2007." Madison: Chazen Museum of Art, 2010. p. 20, no. 4
  • Pillen, Cory. "The Ryogoku Bridge in Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints" Bulletin 2003-2007. Chazen Museum of Art (2010): 18-27. pp. 18-27, no. 4

  • Japanese Masterworks: Woodblock Prints from the Chazen Museum of Art Collection: Chazen Museum of Art, 5/6/2016–8/14/2016
  • 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
  • Floating World: Japanese Prints from the Van Vleck Collection, The: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 4/21/2001–6/17/2001
  • Edward Burr Van Vleck Collection: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 10/13/1999–6/30/2000
  • Van Vleck Collection of Japanese Prints, The: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 10/7/1990–11/25/1990
  • Calm Lives, Exuberant Pleasures : Outstanding Japanese Woodblock Prints from the Van Vleck Collection: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 3/31/1984–4/15/1984

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