Artwork
西洋風の懐中時計『春雨集』 摺物帖|Western Pocket WatchFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3
西洋風の懐中時計『春雨集』 摺物帖|Western Pocket WatchFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3 is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1823 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, 'Western Pocket Watch from the Spring Rain Collection,' is part of a privately commissioned album created by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1823. It is executed in ink and color on paper, characteristic of the surimono genre.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a Western-style pocket watch with a white face and black hands, attached to a chain and accompanied by other objects. The inclusion of a foreign object reflects the growing influence of Western culture during the Edo period.
Technique & Style
The composition is balanced, with the pocket watch as the central focus. The use of color and arrangement of surrounding objects creates harmony. The print features Japanese writing in black ink on a light beige background, adding context to the scene.
Artist & collection
Artist
Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川 広重) or Andō Hiroshige (安藤 広重), born Andō Tokutarō (安藤 徳太郎; 1797 – 12 October 1858), was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.
- 胴乱印籠と懐中時計根付『春雨集』 摺物帖|Dōran (Square Leather Box Used as an Inrō) with a Watch as a NetsukeFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3
『春雨集』 摺物帖窪俊満画 胡蝶舞の衣装|Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 2: Costume for the Butterfly Dance (Kochō no mai)
『名物革仝印籠仝根付』 印籠根付『春雨集』 摺物帖|“Inrō and Netsuke,” from the series Famous Leathers, Inrō, and Netsuke (Meibutsu kawa, inrō, netsuke)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 2
『春雨集』 摺物帖窪俊満画 クサボタン、萩、シャ ガ、ツバキ、モチツバキ|Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 2: Cut Flowers: Clematis, Bush Clover, Iris, Camellia, and Azalea
鉢梅、懐中日時計、羅針盤|Bonsai Plum, Compass, and Pocket Sundial with Design of Calendar, from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō, vol. 3)
『浅草側いせ暦』 文房具と梅熨斗『春雨集』 摺物帖 |“Desk with Writing Set and Plum Flowers,” from the series Ise Calendars for the Asakusa Group (Asakusa-gawa Ise goyomi)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 2
『蝶揃・寵愛』帯と簪|Roll of Cloth for an Obi and Tortoise-shell Hair Ornaments (“Presents for One’s Beloved”), from the Butterfly Series, from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō, vol. 3)