Kingfisher and Irises

1832–34

Not on view

As part of the Boys’ Day celebration, on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar year, irises (ayame) were attached to the eaves of a family’s house. The anonymous poet here suggests that the fragrance is transferred to the garments of those standing below:

雨垂に　袖もあやめに　匂ひけり

Amadare ni
sode mo ayame ni
nioi keri

Rain dripping from the eaves
drenches our kimono sleeves
with the fragrance of irises.
—Trans. John T. Carpenter

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

歌川広重画　燕子花に川蝉
Title: Kingfisher and Irises
Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1797–1858 Tokyo (Edo))
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 1832–34
Culture: Japan
Medium: Woodblock print
Dimensions: 15 x 5 1/8 in. (38.1 x 13 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936
Object Number: JP2530
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Small View of Yedo, Utagawa Hiroshige Japanese, Print, Japanese — Small View of Yedo
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Hiratsuka, Nawate Do, Utagawa Hiroshige Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Hiratsuka, Nawate Do
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Yokkaichi, Sanchokawa, Utagawa Hiroshige Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Yokkaichi, Sanchokawa
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Snow on the Sumida River, Utagawa Hiroshige Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Snow on the Sumida River
Utagawa Hiroshige
ca. 1835

Reflections of the Moon in the Rice Fields of Sarashina in Shinshu, Utagawa Hiroshige Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Reflections of the Moon in the Rice Fields of Sarashina in Shinshu
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ca. 1832

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