Old Man and a Sparrow c. 1818 - 1829

print, ink, color-on-paper

aged paper

toned paper

print

japan

personal sketchbook

ink

color-on-paper

ink drawing experimentation

ink colored

sketchbook drawing

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

sketchbook art

watercolor

"Old Man and a Sparrow" is an 1818-1829 woodblock print by Japanese artist Takezawa Saihō. The work depicts an elderly man, clad in traditional Japanese clothing, walking with a sparrow perched on his hand. The scene is rendered in delicate lines and muted colors, characteristic of the ukiyo-e style. The print showcases Saihō's skill in portraying everyday life and capturing the subtle emotions of his subjects. The work is housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Shitakiri-suzume, or "Tongue-cut Sparrow" is a well-known Japanese folktale. It involves a kind old man and his coldhearted wife. After finding his pet sparrow has flown away because his wife cut its tongue as punishment for misbehavior, the old man went searching the bird in the forest. He was greeted by a group of sparrows that were dressed like humans. Appreciating his concern and kindness for the injured bird, they entertained him with a feast, during which they sang and danced for him. This print shows the old man holding the claw of a sparrow, at the moment when he arrived at the sparrows' secret community in the forest. Wearing a white headdress and a long-sleeved kimono, the bird in this print looks like an elegant young lady. The old man himself, a humbled farmer in the original story, is dressed like a wealthy retiree. In fact, it may be a portrait of the gentleman who commissioned the print as a backdrop for verses by members of his poetry society.