Artwork

『画本虫撰』「きりきりす」「蝉」|Grasshopper (Kirigirisu); Cicada (Semi), from the Picture Book of Crawling Creatures (Ehon mushi erami)

『画本虫撰』「きりきりす」「蝉」|Grasshopper (Kirigirisu); Cicada (Semi), from the Picture Book of Crawling Creatures (Ehon mushi erami) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Accession no.: JP1055
Credit line: Rogers Fund, 1918

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print from 1788, titled Grasshopper (Kirigirisu); Cicada (Semi), is a page from the illustrated book Picture Book of Crawling Creatures (Ehon mushi erami) by Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro. The work features two insects set against a light background.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dynamic grasshopper climbing a vine with leaves alongside a stationary cicada suspended from a plant adorned with large green pods and vibrant orange flowers, highlighting contrasting states of insect activity.

Technique & Style

Utamaro employed simple, expressive lines and flat, clear colors to render the subjects with clarity, characteristic of his approach to illustrating natural subjects.

History & Provenance

Created in 1788, the print is now part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Context

Part of a broader series focusing on 'crawling creatures,' this work reflects Utamaro's interest in the natural world, often depicted in his ukiyo-e prints.