The Second Exhibition At The Tokyo National Museum In Ueno Park
Artist/Culture
Utagawa Hiroshige III 三代 歌川 広重
(Japanese, 1843–1894)
Date1881
Mediumcolored woodblock print
DimensionsOban (each): 37.5 × 25.3 cm (14 3/4 × 9 15/16 in.)
Oban Triptych: 37.5 × 75.9 cm (14 3/4 × 29 7/8 in.)
Oban Triptych: 37.5 × 75.9 cm (14 3/4 × 29 7/8 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineHarriet B. Bancroft Fund
Terms
Object number1989.136
Descriptionoban tate-e triptychThe Second National Industrial Exhibition in 1881 was a momentous occasion in Japan and a popular subject for many artists. In its early days the Tokyo National Museum was deeply connected with such industrial exhibitions. The museum’s new brick building—built by British architect Josiah Conder (1852-1890)—and visitors dressed in a mixture of traditional and European style attire signal a society in transition. The central grand fountain by the renowned Meiji potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) features four shojo (mythical sea-dwellers) supporting a large ceramic jar on their backs. Known for his extravagant and highly-modeled ceramic wares and sculptures, Kozan’s oversized fountain exhibit exemplifies the rigorous skill and showmanship that characterizes Meiji period arts.
Label TextThe Second National Industrial Exhibition in 1881 was a momentous occasion in Japan and a popular subject for many artists. In its early days the Tokyo National Museum was deeply connected with such industrial exhibitions. The museum’s new brick building—built by British architect Josiah Conder (1852–1890)—and visitors dressed in a mixture of traditional and European style attire signal a society in transition. The central grand fountain by the renowned Meiji potter Makuzu Kozan (1842–1916) features four shojo (mythical sea-dwellers) supporting a large ceramic jar on their backs. Known for his extravagant and highly-modeled ceramic wares and sculptures, Kozan’s oversized fountain exhibit exemplifies the rigorous skill and showmanship that characterizes Meiji period arts.ProvenanceStone House Antique Center, Englewood, NJ
On View
Not on view
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡 芳年
late autumn, 1882
