(Water gourd and cherry blossoms) c. 19th century
sesshin
minneapolisinstituteofart
print, watercolor, woodblock-print
asian-art
ukiyo-e
japan
watercolor
linocut print
woodblock-print
watercolor
calligraphy
This 19th century Japanese woodblock print, titled "(Water gourd and cherry blossoms)", was created by the artist Sesshin. The print features a water gourd with two cherry blossoms branches. The branches are delicately rendered, while the gourd is depicted with a realistic detail. The surrounding text is a poem in Japanese that is likely about the natural beauty of the depicted subjects. The print, now a part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection, showcases the beauty and artistry of Japanese woodblock prints.
Comments
Dried, hollow gourds, fitted with a stopper, were traditionally used as drinking containers. Decorated with a spray of flowering cherry tided with a green-colored string, the gourd depicted here probably contains sake to drink during a flower-viewing party. The poems inscribed on the gourd and in the background also celebrate the coming of spring. The embossed outlines of the petals and buds effectively represent the delicate texture of flowers.
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