Open daily. Always free.
The Yang Gueifei Cherry Tree, from the series Cherry Trees for the Katsushika Circle

The Yang Gueifei Cherry Tree, from the series Cherry Trees for the Katsushika Circle

Yashima Gakutei

This work is a surimono or privately commissioned print. It depicts the famous Chinese beauty Yang Gueifei (719–756 CE), standing on a balcony. She was the beloved consort of the Emperor Xuanzong, who died tragically during the An Lushan rebellion (755–763 CE). Legends about historical Chinese figures became popular during Japan’s Edo period. The poems printed alongside compare Yang Gueifei’s Japanese name, Yokihi, to the specific variety of cherry tree that is named for her. The embossed cherry blossoms that fill the background of this print subtly integrate this idea into the print’s design.
Artist
Yashima Gakutei
(Japanese, 1786 - 1868)
Title
The Yang Gueifei Cherry Tree, from the series Cherry Trees for the Katsushika Circle
Date
1820-1825
Medium
Color woodcut
Dimensions
215 x 190 mm Overall
Credit
Bequest of John H. Van Vleck
Accession No.
1980.690
Classification
Prints
Geography
Japan

Related

1 February 1923, purchased from Walpole Galleries (New York, NY – lot 260) 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]

  • p. 17
  • Elvehjem Museum of Art. "The Edward Burr Van Vleck Collection of Japanese Prints." Madison: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 1990. p. 17

  • Lasting Impressions: The Art of Printmaking: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 5/14/1994–7/10/1994

The Chazen Museum of Art welcomes comments or inquiries about works in our collection. Please allow two–three weeks for a response. Chazen staff is not able to provide valuations or authentications and such inquiries cannot be answered.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.