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Utagawa Yoshimori

Cockerel, Ivy, and Drum

Maker

Utagawa Yoshimori (Japanese, 1830-1884)

Title

Cockerel, Ivy, and Drum

Period

Edo (Japanese period)

Year

ca. 1860s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

ink, color

Supports

Geography

Place Made: Japan; Place Made: Tokyo

Dimensions

Hosoban: 33.6 x 15.5 cm (13 1/4 x 6 1/8 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Inscription verso, bottom right:YI311/[Japanese Characters]

Signature: Yoshimori ga

Seals: Artist's seal | Yoshimori

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Object Number

34.289

Type

Exhibition History

Striking Chords
Music in *Ukiyo-E* Prints
Feb 05, 2022 – Jul 31, 2022

Label copy

A majestic rooster with long trailing feathers is the focus of this print. Flanked by two chicks amidst swirling ivy leaves, the bird perches on a barrel drum. Music was present in all types of ukiyo-e prints, including the kachoga or bird-and-flower genre that this print belongs to.

This image is filled with auspicious symbolism. The pairing of a fowl and drum, known as kanko-dori, originated in ancient China as a reference to good governance. When the government ruled well, drums-symbolizing complaints-remained silent, and roosters nested within them.

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 Yoshimori (Japanese, 1830-1884)
Cockerel, Ivy, and Drum, ca. 1860s
Polychrome woodblock print
Hosoban: 33.6 x 15.5 cm (13 1/4 x 6 1/8 inches)
Gift of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. 34.289

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