Is View of Matsuyama Yakyū Inari Shrine under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

What is the thematic context of View of Matsuyama Yakyū Inari Shrine?

utagawa school style, ukiyo-e print tradition, shinto shrine worship, bountiful harvest themes, daily life scenes, part of actor prints

Where can I see View of Matsuyama Yakyū Inari Shrine?

Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore

What topics does View of Matsuyama Yakyū Inari Shrine explore?

shrine, people, architecture, trees, landscape, buildings

Order a print of View of Matsuyama Yakyū Inari Shrine

A Window into Edo Period Devotion

In the delicate interplay of line and color found within View of Matsuyama Yakyū Inari Shrine, we are transported back to a vanished era of Japanese history. Created by the master of the Utagawa school, Utagawa Kunisada II, this exquisite work serves as more than just a landscape; it is a vibrant social document. The composition is masterfully structured across three panels, where the upper reaches capture the sacred architecture and serene atmosphere of the Yakyū Inari Shrine, while the lower registers pulse with the rhythmic energy of human life. This duality creates a profound sense of connection between the divine and the mundane, inviting the viewer to witness a moment where spiritual reverence meets the bustling vitality of daily existence in the Saitama Prefecture.

The subject matter itself is steeped in cultural significance. The Yakyū Inari Shrine, a sanctuary dedicated to bountiful harvests, business prosperity, and artistic refinement, provides a backdrop of stability and hope. As we gaze upon the shrine grounds, we see the meticulous attention to detail that Kunisada II brought to his ukiyo-e prints. The artist captures not just the physical structures, but the very essence of the pilgrims' journey. By including the names of visitors inscribed within the work, the piece transcends mere illustration to become a communal tapestry, weaving individual identities into the grander narrative of Japanese tradition and shared prosperity.

Mastery of the Ukiyo-e Technique

Technically, this work exemplifies the sophisticated woodblock printing traditions of the late Edo period. The artist utilizes the characteristic ukiyo-e style—often referred to as "pictures of the floating world"—to achieve a balance of graphic clarity and atmospheric depth. Each line is deliberate, guiding the eye through the intricate details of the shrine's architecture and the flowing garments of the travelers below. The use of color, though constrained by the pigments available in the 19th century, is used with remarkable emotional intelligence to distinguish between the ethereal light hitting the shrine rooftops and the grounded, earthy tones of the street scenes.

For the discerning collector or interior designer, this reproduction offers a sophisticated focal point that brings a sense of historical weight and cultural elegance to any space. The piece does not merely decorate a wall; it narrates a story of continuity and faith. Its rhythmic composition—moving from the celestial heights of the shrine down to the intimate, human-scale interactions on the ground—provides a visual movement that can anchor a room, offering a contemplative window into the soul of old Japan. Whether placed in a contemporary gallery setting or a classic study, this artwork serves as an enduring testament to the beauty of tradition and the timelessness of the human spirit.

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Artist Biography

early life and training

utagawa kunisada ii, also known as toyokuni iv, was a renowned japanese ukiyo-e print designer born in edo, japan in 1823. he was a pupil of utagawa kunisada i and signed much of his early work under the name kunimasa iii. around 1850-51, he adopted the name kunisada ii, marking his inheritance of the utagawa school.

artistic style and notable works

kunisada ii's prints include over 40 series, mostly featuring actors (yakusha-e), as well as portraits of beauties, illustrations of scenes from literature, erotica, and other subjects. one of his most celebrated works is the tale of the eight dog heroes (hakkendun inu no sōshi no uchi), dating from 1852, drawn from kyokutei bakin's epic novel, the satomi clan and the eight dogs (nansō satomi hakkenden).

legacy and later life

kunisada ii headed the utagawa school and worked in the style of his master, but never achieved the same level of success. his popularity waned in the meiji period (1868–1912), and he appears to have stopped making prints after 1874. he died on july 20, 1880, and was buried at banshōin kōunji. his buddhist posthumous name is sankōin hōkokujutei shinji.

notable mentions in ArtsDot.com

key points in kunisada ii's life

1823: born in edo, japan
1850-51: adopted the name kunisada ii
1852: created the tale of the eight dog heroes
1868–1912: meiji period, during which his popularity waned
july 20, 1880: passed away and was buried at banshōin kōunji

further reading on ArtsDot.com

utagawa kunisada ii

1823 - 1880 , Japan

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Ukiyo-e (yakusha-e)
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Utagawa School']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Utagawa Kunisada I']
Date Of Birth: 1823
Date Of Death: 1880
Full Name: Utagawa Kunisada II
Nationality: Japanese
Notable Artworks:
- Hakkendun Inu no Sōshi no Uchi
- The Osaka actor Kataoka Gado as An no Heibei
Place Of Birth: Tokyo, Japan