Francolin and Chrusanthemum by Yoshikawa Shōkoku

Francolin and Chrusanthemum c. 1860

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print, textile, ink, woodblock-print, woodcut

water colours

print

impressionism

asian-art

textile

ukiyo-e

ink

woodblock-print

botanical drawing

woodcut

Dimensions: 7 3/8 x 19 1/4 in. (18.7 x 48.9 cm) (image, sheet)

Yoshikawa Shōkoku created this woodblock print of a francolin and chrysanthemum. The smooth surface and delicate lines are achieved through a meticulous process, beginning with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred to a wooden block. Each color requires a separate block, carved with precision to capture the nuances of the image. The application of ink, often water-based, demands a practiced hand to ensure even distribution and vibrant hues. Look at the texture of the bird's feathers, and the layered petals of the chrysanthemum. This isn't just about representation; it's about the inherent qualities of wood and ink, and how they come together. Woodblock printing has deep roots in popular culture and commerce, enabling the mass production of images. This artwork reflects a blend of artistic skill and technical process, echoing the broader social context of labor and production. Appreciating the time and skill behind it challenges the traditional hierarchy separating fine art from craft, inviting us to consider the value of skilled work.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

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Francolins, or shako in Japanese, are often confused with partridges, their smaller cousins. The Japanese associate both birds with autumn, since they can be seen in the fields as the grain ripens. Francolins however, were regarded as more poetic than partridges because of their long-standing association with Chinese verse. Their melancholic cry to the Chinese ear sounds like "Don't go there, my dear," which can be interpreted as a desperate warning to a loved one. The Japanese adopted this poetic allusion and it appears in the first verse on this print. Yoshikawa Shøkoku, who excelled at depicting birds and flowers, renders the francolin with its characteristic yellowish brown feathers ----useful camouflage amid autumn grass but not against red chrysanthemums.