Image

Endo Taigaku

Swallow and Spider (Tsubame to kumo)

Description

Maker

Endo Taigaku (Japanese)

Title

Swallow and Spider (Tsubame to kumo)

Period

Edo (Japanese period)

Year

1830-1844

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

ink, color

Supports

Geography

Place Made: Japan; Place Made: Edo (location)

Dimensions

Plate: 18.1 x 18.9 cm (7 1/8 x 7 7/16 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signature: Taigaku

Seals: Artist's seal | Hokusen

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Object Number

34.072

Type

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

The Art and Design of Spider Silk
Sep 27, 2019 – Apr 19, 2020

Label copy

This work is a skillful example of polychrome woodblock printing, with multiple blocks used for each color. In Japan, spiders are often thought to predict the visit of a good friend, although in this image the spider appears to be the prey of both the swallow and the sparrow.

If Insects Could Speak
Japanese Woodblock Prints from the Early Nineteenth Century
Jul 29, 1994 – Sep 11, 1994
If Insects Could Speak
Japanese Woodblock Prints of Grasses and Insects from the Early Nineteenth Century
Jul 06, 1990 – Sep 02, 1990

Use & Feedback

Image use

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

Tombstone

Endo Taigaku (Japanese)
Swallow and Spider (Tsubame to kumo), 1830-1844
Polychrome woodblock print
Plate: 18.1 x 18.9 cm (7 1/8 x 7 7/16 inches)
Gift of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. 34.072

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