Jay and Ural Owl

Artist Kitagawa Utamaro I 喜多川歌麿 (Japanese, early 1750s–1806)

Publisherpublished by Kōshodō 耕書堂 (Japanese, 1750–1797)

Dateabout 1791

Mediumwoodblock print, ink and colors on paper

Dimensions22.9 x 34.4 cm (9 x 13 9/16 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection

Terms

Object number1901.59.2552

Label TextWhen curiosity about nature and experimental realism came into vogue in elite cultural circles in the late 18th century, Utamaro provided naturalistic studies for three anthologies of humorous poems (kyoka) about insects, seashells and birds. Catering to a sophisticated poet-clientele, Utamaro and the publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo urged block-carvers and printers to use the finest techniques, such as hair-thin lines, high quality pigments and subtle shading. The whitish cap with dark spots helps identify the Jay (kashidori / kakesu). It has a special call-"Jah-jah," but also imitates the song of other birds and mewing cats. My pledges / sung in voices / like those of the jay; / but even when I cry / you do not lend an ear. Kashidori no / tsutanaki koe ga /kudokedomo / nakedomo kimi no / mimi ni tomenu wa Oya no Urazumi The Ural Owl (fukuro) lacks ear tufts and has a characteristic pale-gray facial disc with dark brown eyes: You must have / the eyes of an owl! / How is it that / you come at night / but never during the day. Fukuro no / me wa mochinagara / ikanareba / yoru wa kuredomo / hiru mienu kimi Shingoken BirinProvenanceJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection

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