Who painted Fuwa Banzaemon?

Fuwa Banzaemon was painted by Utagawa Toyokuni II in 1834-01-01.

Where can I see Fuwa Banzaemon?

Fuwa Banzaemon is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Fuwa Banzaemon?

Fuwa Banzaemon is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Can I buy a print of Fuwa Banzaemon?

Museum-quality prints of Fuwa Banzaemon are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Fuwa Banzaemon

Utagawa Toyokuni II , 1834

Fuwa Banzaemon is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Toyokuni II. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1834 by Utagawa Toyokuni II, Fuwa Banzaemon is a painting housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This artwork presents a dynamic scene featuring three distinct figures rendered with vibrant, straightforward colors set against a muted background. The composition includes a person in motion, a woman, and a man, each contributing to a narrative suggested by their attire and actions.

Subject & Meaning

To the right, a man in a checkered garment stands still, holding a fan and playing a flute, suggesting a moment of performance or contemplation.

The painting portrays three individuals, each with distinct roles. On the left, a figure in a red robe and white trousers appears to be carrying a burden, depicted in mid-stride. Central to the composition, a woman in an elaborately patterned dress, adorned with red, green, and gold motifs, steps forward.

To the right, a man in a checkered garment stands still, holding a fan and playing a flute, suggesting a moment of performance or contemplation.

Technique & Style

Utagawa Toyokuni II employed a palette of bright, unadorned colors, contrasting them against a pale background to emphasize the figures. The artist utilized bold patterns, such as the woman's vivid red, green, and gold dress and the man's plaid attire, to define their garments. A decorative blue border frames the composition, while black calligraphy on the left side introduces a formal, textual element, balancing the visual narrative.