Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) and Joshuya Shigezo
An Imitation of Lady Maya Giving Birth to Prince Siddhartha
1851
Scroll
- Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
- Publisher: Joshuya Shigezo
An Imitation of Lady Maya Giving Birth to Prince Siddhartha
1851
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
Using a wrapped doll, the two kneeling figures imitate the moment when Queen Maya presents her new-born Prince Siddhartha to the eager eyes of her companion at the same instant the highly symbolic seasonal "Island Tray" also arrives as the Empress watches in amusement and refreshments are being brought in.
The beautiful women and attenandants are dressed in kimono appropriate to the age and station of each one. From right to left, the principal motifs are a flowering vine (perhaps morning glory, balloon flower, or clematis), cherry blossom, scattered fans, crysanthemum, shimmering waves. Crane medallions are woven into the brocade worn by the Empress.
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.
