Books 19th century

"Books" is a ukiyo-e woodblock print by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai, a Japanese artist who lived from 1799 to 1823. This print, which depicts a book, inkstone, and brush, is a testament to the importance of literacy in 19th-century Japan. It is part of the "Ten Thousand Leaves" series, a collection of prints that celebrate the beauty of everyday objects. The delicate detail and bright colors of the print are characteristic of Shinsai's style. This small but intricate work, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a valuable glimpse into the world of Edo-period Japan.