Utagawa Sadahide 歌川貞秀

Ayu Fish and Bell Flowers

Maker

Utagawa Sadahide 歌川貞秀 (Japanese, 1807-1878/9

Title

Ayu Fish and Bell Flowers

Period

Edo Period

Year

1843-1847

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

ink, color

Supports

Geography

Place Made: Japan; Place Made: Tokyo

Dimensions

22.9 x 29.2 cm (9 x 11 1/2 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signature: Signed at left | Gyokuransai Sadahide ga

Marks: Inscription verso, bottom left in pencil: [Japanese Characters]

Seals: Censor's seal | Muramatsu Genroku

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Object Number

34.319

Type

Exhibition History

Eating in Edo
Apr 01, 2023 – Oct 08, 2023

Label copy

Surrounded by the ocean and endowed with plentiful lakes and rivers, Japan has an abundant supply of seafood all year round. The ayu, or sweetfish, pictured in these prints, are delicacies enjoyed in late spring and early summer. Often skewered whole and grilled on a charcoal fire, these small silver fish also lend themselves to poetry, becoming seasonal references in haiku poems.

The Art of the Fan
Uchiwa-e in Japanese Prints
Dec 07, 2001 – Mar 03, 2002

Label copy

Kikyo (balloon flower) is one of the “seven flowers of autumn” in Japan.

Fan-Shaped Bird and Flower Prints from the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Collection
May 11, 1990 – Jun 30, 1990

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Utagawa Sadahide 歌川貞秀 (Japanese, 1807-1878/9
b. in Shimōsa, Japan)
Ayu Fish and Bell Flowers, 1843-1847
Polychrome woodblock print
22.9 x 29.2 cm (9 x 11 1/2 inches)
Gift of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. 34.319

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