A Picture Album of Children
Woodblock Print
Shin-hanga
1906
19th Century
23.0 x 17.0 cm
Keio University Library
Giclée / Art Print
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A Picture Album of Children
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 63
A Window into Meiji-Era Joy
In the delicate strokes of Matsutani Shōun’s 1906 masterpiece, "A Picture Album of Children," we are invited to step through a portal into a bygone era of Japanese innocence and communal warmth. This exquisite woodblock print captures a fleeting, sun-drenched moment where the boundaries between play and domesticity dissolve. The scene unfolds with a rhythmic vitality, presenting a group of children engaged in various poses—some perched atop one another, others kneeling in quiet contemplation or active play. There is an undeniable sense of movement within the frame, as if the viewer has just stumbled upon a private, joyful gathering in a serene outdoor setting. Through Shōun’s masterful eye, the simple act of childhood companionship is elevated to a profound celebration of life and connection.
The technical brilliance of this work lies in its seamless fusion of traditional Japanese printmaking techniques with a burgeoning modern sensibility. As a student of the Kanō school and later specialized in Nanga painting, Matsutani Shōun brought a sophisticated command of line and composition to the medium of woodblock printing. In this piece, the artist utilizes subtle gradations of color and precise linework to define the soft contours of the children and the textures of their surroundings. The interplay between the figures and the minimalist landscape—anchored by a solitary bench—creates a balanced, harmonious composition that draws the eye across the canvas in a gentle dance. For the discerning collector, the print offers a masterclass in how ukiyo-e traditions evolved into the more emotive and atmospheric styles of the Meiji and Shōwa eras.
Beyond its aesthetic charm, "A Picture Album of Children" resonates with a deep emotional nostalgia. The painting serves as a poignant symbol of harmony, reflecting a period of Japanese history where the beauty of the everyday was captured with reverence. There is a profound sense of peace found in the way the children interact with their environment and each other; it is an image that evokes feelings of safety, community, and the pure, unadulterated spirit of youth. For interior designers and art enthusiasts alike, this artwork serves as a captivating focal point. Whether placed in a sunlit nursery, a sophisticated study, or a contemporary living space, its warm palette and tender subject matter provide an infusion of tranquility and timeless elegance, making it a truly soulful addition to any curated collection.
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Artist Biography
early life and training
matsutani shōun, also known as yamamoto shōun, was a renowned japanese print designer, painter, and illustrator born on december 30, 1870, in kōchi, japan. he was given the name mosaburō, and his family were retainers of the shōgun. as a teenager, matsutani shōun studied kanō-school painting with yanagimoto doso and kawada shoryu. at about age 17, he moved to tokyo, where he continued his artistic training under the guidance of taki katei, specializing in nanga painting.career highlights
* at 20 years of age, matsutani shōun was employed as an illustrator for fugoku gaho, a pictorial magazine focusing on the sights in and around tokyo. * in his latter career, matsutani shōun primarily produced paintings, showcasing his versatility as an artist. * he died in 1965 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy in japanese art.notable works and contributions
* matsutani shōun is best known for his woodblock prints of beautiful women and humorous shikishiban (prints about 7 by 8 inches). * his career spans the meiji, taishō, and shōwa periods, making him a bridge between ukiyo-e and shin-hanga. * matsutani shōun signed most of his works with a small compact signature reading shōun.legacy and availability of his works
* until 2003, collectors mainly knew matsutani shōun through his series "fashions of today – ima sugata." * the art collector and dealer robert o. muller's collection, which included thousands of shin-hanga prints, was bequeathed to the smithsonian’s arthur m. sackler gallery in 2003. * a representative part of muller's collection is available at [https://ArtsDot.com/@@/a@d3ar2v](the museum of fine arts (gifu, japan) and its collection), offering a glimpse into matsutani shōun's lesser-known works.- view matsutani shōun's artworks at [https://ArtsDot.com/@/matsutani-shoun](matsutani shōun | 9 artworks)
- explore the collection at /en/art/show/art-d3bekd-en/ art museum (japan) - a hidden gem for art enthusiasts)
- learn more about japanese art and culture at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/yamamoto_sh%c5%8dun](yamamoto shōun - wikipedia)
matsutani shōun
1870 - 1965 , Japan
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Shin-hanga
- Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Ukiyo-e']
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Yanagimoto Doso
- Kawada Shoryu
- Date Of Birth: December 30, 1870
- Date Of Death: 1965
- Full Name: Matsutani Shojun (Yamamoto Shōun)
- Nationality: Japanese
- Notable Artworks:
- Fashions of Today – Ima Sugata
- A Picture Album of Children
- Place Of Birth: Kochi, Japan

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