(Boys and a kite) c. 1848 - 1853

print, ink, color-on-paper

aged paper

toned paper

ink paper printed

print

japan

personal sketchbook

ink

color-on-paper

ink drawing experimentation

sketchbook drawing

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

sketchbook art

watercolor

"Boys and a Kite" is a woodblock print created by the Japanese artist Yabu Chōsui in the mid-19th century. The image depicts two young boys, one holding a kite while the other prepares it for flight. The print is an example of the ukiyo-e genre, which focused on everyday life in Edo-period Japan, often depicting scenes of leisure and entertainment. The bright colors and detailed imagery of the print reflect the popularity of woodblock prints in Edo-period Japan, where they were widely used as decorative art and popular culture.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Introduced from China, the custom of kite-flying became a favorite pastime for boys in Japan. By the 18th century, kite-flying developed into a favorite activity during the New Year holidays, when children were free from school work and house chores and the clear skies and breezes of early spring provided ideal conditions. The boys in this print are preparing to fly a kite that is emblazoned with the character "dragon." While the older boy in a green kimono is adjusting the strings of the kite, the other boy, presumably his younger brother is holding the kite, which is larger than he is. Chøsui's rendering of the boys aptly conveys their joy and excitement at the prospect of seeing this oversize kite high in the sky.