Image

Dynamic sketch of a samurai in a determined stance with a stern look. The male presenting figure wears traditional Japanese armor and holds a katana, looking to the side.
A worn, blue rectangle. White vertical streaks are visible, as well as stain spots and other markers of aging. On the top left corner, the blue layer is peeling off.
Complex ink sketch of multiple figures in motion. A Japanese warrior is off center holding a fan and looking down at the dynamic scene with a discontent expression.
Ink sketch of a fierce samurai in mid-motion. The figure wears flowing robes and a headpiece; they face the ground in front of them determined and hold a rectangular box.
Ink sketch two figures, one male presenting, and the other female. Both wear flowing robes and look down towards the bottom left corner; the male wields a long stick-like object.
Sketch of a portrait of a Japanese warrior wearing traditional accessories and an elaborate headpiece. The male presenting figure features a stern, discontent expression. Calligraphy is placed on the top-left.
Loose sketch of figure in traditional Japanese attire featuring a look of curiosity and detailed headpiece. A rectangular border is around them, with smaller blank rectangles above it.
Ink sketch of a contemplative figure seated and looking to the side. They wear traditional Japanese robes and sit with legs crossed. Small calligraphy is featured on the top-left.
Ink sketch of a seated figure in traditional Japanese robes. The female presenting figure kneels with their head turned to the side and hands poised against the bosom.
Ink sketch of an elegant figure in a flowing robe and an elaborate headpiece. They are facing away, with their head turned back over the shoulder, towards the viewer.
An ink sketch of a samurai warrior in mid action, and another figure on their knees in front of him. The samurai has a raised sword.
A black ink sketch on beige paper of a woman draped in a flowing elegant robe. She is looking over her shoulder in a pose suggesting motion and grace.
Sketch of a figure in a determined stance dressed in traditional Japanese attire. They are holding a stick and are poised on a boat against a landscape background.
Ink sketch of men in traditional Japanese robes. The figures are sitting in a circle, seemingly in conversation under a branch with leaves, one figure is smoking a pipe.
Three-paneled ink sketch featuring a woman looking concerned, a standing figure with a cane, and last, a man with a mischievous look. Japanese calligraphy is placed in the top-right corner.
Ink sketch of three figures. One is hunched above the other yelling, while the other sits with a grimacing face. A loosely rendered figure is positioned in the foreground.
A worn, blue rectangle. Faint white vertical streaks are visible, as well as stain spots and other markers of aging. The borders reveal an aged white layer under the blue.
Sketch of a woman getting dressed in formal, traditional, Japanese attire; another woman is behind her assisting with the dress. The woman at the forefront is looking back at her companion.
Sketch of a figure featuring a tired expression, hunched over in flowing robes. The figure is depicted in gestural strokes that convey motion. The background remains empty.
Ink drawing of a standing figure presenting a scroll to a seated figure on a grid-lined paper with calligraphy.
Sketch of an informal gathering featuring four male presenting figures in traditional Japanese attire with expressive faces looking to the right.
Sketch of a samurai in mid-leap featuring a dramatic expression of anger, and wielding a sword to his side. They are dressed in traditional flowing combat garments.
Sketch of an elderly man with wispy hair on the sides of his head, depicted in expressive lines. He is dressed in voluminous clothing and in a defensive position.
Ink sketch of figure in traditional Japanese robes mid action. Drawn in dynamic strokes suggestion movement the female presenting figure furiously faces the ground in front of them.
Sketch of samurai warrior in a traditional robe positioned in a dramatic climbing posture. Japanese calligraphy fills the page, at times overlapping with the figure.
Ink sketch of two figures in traditional Japanese robes facing each other; drawn from the waist-up. One wears an elaborate headpiece and looks at the other contentedly.
Gestural sketch of Japanese warriors preparing for battle. Figures are in various defensive poses featuring expressive looks, and are dressed in traditional combat attire with swords and other weapons.
Sketch of a figure in an elaborate, traditional, Japanese dress and headpiece; their face is indecipherable. Poised nobly, they stand against a subtle scenic background, with calligraphy in the top-right.
Sketch of a figure looking back at a temple in the background. They have a faintly blue patterned cloth draped over the shoulders and a large bundle on their back.
Loose ink sketch on aged paper, of a reclining person in elaborate, traditional, Japanese robes. The drawing features multiple layers of faint lines beneath the figure portraying an indistinguishable form.
Ink sketch of a seated, female presenting figure in flowing Japanese robes. They look diagonally upwards pensively, with their mouth slightly open. Thick vertical lines are overlaid on the drawing.
Sketch of samurai with swords in both hands, one above his head and the others to his side. Figure is placed in a loose depiction of a tranquil garden.
Loose ink sketch of two faces in profile within separate circular frames, they are turned towards each other. The woman-like faces feature traditional Japanese hairstyles and expressive features.
Ink sketch of contemplative figure dressed in traditional Japanese robes. They sit facing down, with legs crossed, and smaller images of people in dynamic poses circle around their body.
Sketch of a Japanese warrior with an elaborate headpiece, holding an indistinguishable object and looking down at it discontentedly. The male presenting figure is drawn in gestural lines suggesting movement.
An ink sketch of a figure in a loosely rendered traditional Japanese robe. Their head is turned in profile, with a blank gaze.
Ink drawing of an encounter between two figures in traditional Japanese robes. One features a threatening expression while holding a weapon above the other’s head, the other is crouched ahead.
Ink sketch of a woman in traditional Japanese robes with a large bow on the back. She holds a vaguely defined vase and looks up at the plant extending out.
Dynamic sketch of a warrior mid battle featuring a distressed expression, standing in combat attire with one foot atop another figure. Overlapping lines convey a sense of movement and passion.
Ink sketch of a figure in a traditional Japanese floral robe and an intricate headpiece. The female presenting figure is kneeling with hands in a position of prayer.
Sketch of a seated male figure depicted in a traditional robe, with subtle strokes capturing his calm demeanor. The figure is holding a fan and looking ahead.
An ink sketch of a samurai warrior dressed in flowing, traditional, combat attire and headgear. The figure is in a striking pose, against a natural background.
Sketch of figure in traditional dress uncovering a sword, poised with determination. Figure is placed in a loose, vague depiction of a storage space with barrels to his sides.
Ink sketch of a stern figure in traditional Japanese robes holding katanas behind his back. He is facing forward, seemingly walking; they are drawn in gestural lines suggesting movement.
Loosely rendered ink sketch of a seated figure in a traditional Japanese robe and an grandiose headpiece. The person sits in a vague interior space.
Dynamic sketch of a figure with a focused expression wearing traditional Japanese attire and gripping a sword, amidst a flurry of energetic lines suggesting movement.
Sketch of a figure with a focused expression and a dynamic stance, wearing traditional Japanese attire with two katanas attached to the back. Small calligraphy is placed at the top-left.
Gestural sketch of a warrior in historic armor, poised in a defensive stance and drawing their sword straight ahead. The figure is set in a forest setting.
Sketch of a figure in Japanese warrior attire, standing with a determined look to the side. The figure holds a long stick-like object; calligraphy is placed on the sides.
Ink sketch of Japanese warrior in traditional armor drawing a sword. The figure is poised for action and is drawn with gestural lines highlighting the movement of the weapon.
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Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳

Preliminary Sketches

Description

Maker

Attributed to Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳 (1798-1861

Title

Preliminary Sketches

Period

Edo Period

Year

ca. 1840-1860

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

ink

Supports

Geography

Place Made: Japan

Dimensions

Album: 19.1 x 27.3 x 1.3 cm (7 1/2 x 10 3/4 x 1/2 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Collection

Object Number

49.437

Type

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

The Artistry of Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Oct 07, 2023 – Apr 28, 2024

Label copy

To create a woodblock print, Kuniyoshi would make a sketch in ink on a thin piece of paper that the carver would then adhere to a woodblock, where the design was carved away. The carved block was then inked and stamped onto paper. 

The preliminary sketches mounted into this album were images that were never used for carving a woodblock, but their dynamic designs and vivid brushstrokes undoubtedly inspired Kuniyoshi’s students, who likely collected and compiled them for reference.

Drawing the Line
Mar 30, 2001 – Jun 10, 2001

Label copy

This preparatory drawing of a samurai warrior conveys Kuniyoshi's deft handling of the brush. The lines feel confident and are swiftly executed, emphasizing the power and energy of the figure. This exciting drawing reveals much evidence of the artist's thinking. Kuniyoshi seems to have begun with the sheet oriented differently; note the head between the warrior's knees. Dissatisfied, he turned the sheet upside-down and began again. The conclusive decision for the head was drawn on a small piece of transparent Japanese tissue attached to the final drawing. When folded back, an earlier, rougher design is revealed. The geometric drawing underneath the samurai figure is simply what happened to be on the reused sheet used to make the album.

Seeing with the Mind's Eye
The Art of Printmaking in Japan
Dec 31, 1999 – Mar 19, 2000
Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Dec 10, 1997 – Mar 08, 1998

Related Publications

Related Publications

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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

Attributed to Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳 (1798-1861
b. in Edo, Japan)
Preliminary Sketches, ca. 1840-1860
Ink on paper
Album: 19.1 x 27.3 x 1.3 cm (7 1/2 x 10 3/4 x 1/2 inches)
Museum Collection 49.437

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