Act II c. 1843 - 1847

print, ink, color-on-paper

print

traditional media

japan

personal sketchbook

ink

color-on-paper

illustrative and welcoming imagery

wedding around the world

sketchbook drawing

watercolour illustration

storyboard and sketchbook work

cartoon carciture

sketchbook art

watercolor

"Act II" is a woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige, dating back to c. 1843 - 1847. This piece is part of the "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" series, showcasing a vivid scene from a Japanese garden, with a woman serving tea on the veranda of a traditional home. Hiroshige's masterful use of color and detail in depicting nature and daily life creates a sense of tranquility and beauty, making this print a cherished example of ukiyo-e art. The horizontal ōban format contributes to the overall sense of grandeur and expansiveness.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Act 2 of Chñshingura is comprised of entirely fictional subplots. One of these involves the star-crossed young lovers, Konami and Rikiya. Konami's father, Kakogawa Honzø is the chief retainer of Momoi Wakasanosuke, who suffers the abusive behavior of Moronao at the shogun's court. Trying to help his young immature lord, Honzø bribes Moronao, thus diverting a confrontation. However, Moronao redirects his anger at Enya. In this print, Honzø is shown cutting a pine branch in the garden in the background. Rikiya, the son of Øboshi Yuranosuke, Enya's chief retainer, who later masterminds the revenge plan, comes to visit Momoi's mansion to deliver his father's message. The print shows Konami serving tea to Rikiya, who is seated inside the room. At this point, they have no idea how the fate involving their fathers would turn against their love.