Artwork

Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu)

Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu), by Suzuki Harunobu, ink
Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu), by Suzuki Harunobu, ink

Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Suzuki Harunobu. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu) is a late 19th-century woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, circa 1865, now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an intimate scene of two women in a traditional room on the First Day of Autumn. One kneels with a fan, while the other sits in a red kimono with an embroidered flower. The setting transitions seamlessly to an outdoor garden, capturing a moment of serene seasonal awareness.

Technique & Style

Harunobu employed bold black outlines and flat, vibrant colors to create a sense of calm and order. The composition's simplicity and the use of negative space enhance the tranquil atmosphere of the autumn scene.

History & Provenance

Created around 1865, the print is now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though its history prior to acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

The inclusion of Japanese text at the top suggests a narrative or poetic element tied to the autumn season, possibly referencing traditional literature or folklore.

『雛形若菜初模様 玉や内 しら玉』|The Courtesan Shiratama of the Tamaya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō”)
『雛形若菜初模様 玉や内 しら玉』|The Courtesan Shiratama of the Tamaya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō”), Isoda Koryūsai

Artist & collection

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu)?

Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu) was painted by Suzuki Harunobu.

Where can I see Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu)?

Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu)?

Aki|風俗四季歌仙 立秋|First Day of Autumn (Risshu) is associated with Impressionism.