Outing in the Autumn Field by Ueda Kōkei

Outing in the Autumn Field c. 1830 - 1844

print, ink, color-on-paper

toned paper

light pencil work

quirky sketch

print

japan

personal sketchbook

ink

color-on-paper

ink drawing experimentation

sketchbook drawing

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

sketchbook art

watercolor

"Outing in the Autumn Field" is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Ueda Kōkei, dating back to the early-to-mid 19th century. The print depicts two figures, likely a man and a woman, walking through a field of tall grass, possibly on a leisurely outing during the fall season. The scene is depicted in a simple, elegant style, with a focus on the figures and their interactions. The print captures a moment of quiet intimacy between the two figures, who seem to be enjoying each other's company. The work is a fine example of the Japanese woodblock print genre, known for its delicate lines, subtle colors, and evocative subject matter. This artwork is currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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This print illustrates a young woman in an orange kimono on an outing, accompanied by her attendant who wears a simple striped kimono. The artist included many visual hints about the season. Rectangular wooden pieces called naruko hang from strings attached to bamboo poles. The wind causes them to rattle together, helping frighten the birds away while the rice is being harvested. The cricket that the attendant points toward, as well as the maple leaf pattern that adorns her mistress's kimono, are both associated with the autumn season. The white bag in the attendant's left hand is emblazoned with the characters okashi (confectionary) suggesting that they are about to have a picnic in the field.