An Imitation of Lady Maya Giving Birth to Prince Siddhartha

1852

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Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) and Joshuya Shigezo

An Imitation of Lady Maya Giving Birth to Prince Siddhartha

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Publisher: Joshuya Shigezo

An Imitation of Lady Maya Giving Birth to Prince Siddhartha

1852

Physical Qualities Color woodcut, Sheet (left): 366 x 244 mm. (14 7/16 x 9 5/8 in.) Sheet (center): 366 x 244 mm. (14 7/16 x 9 5/8 in.) Sheet (right): 368 x 244 mm. (14 1/2 x 9 5/8 in.)

Credit Line Gift of Robert Freedman

Object Number 1957.209.15

The print takes us indoors on New Year’s Day as a lady and her companions amuse themselves by recreating events surrounding the birth of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. One attendant enters from the left carrying a lacquer “island stand.” This New Year’s decoration symbolizes Japan’s creation through the union of male and female principles. The two figures on top of the stand as well as the trees, cranes, and tortoises embody undying affection, happiness, and longevity.

The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1957; Robert Freedman, Baltimore, purchased in Japan

Rena Hoisington, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "New Arrivals: Gifts of Art for a New Century," February 7-May 8, 2016.

Inscribed: FACE: signature, c-R) censer's date seals; Kochoro Toyokuni ga, toshidama seal; publisher's seal b-M) censer's date seals; Ichiyosai Toyokuni ga, toshidama seal; a-L) censer's date seals; Kochoro Toyokuni ga, toshidama seal; publisher seal.