Object data
nishikie, with metallic pigments and embossing
height 143 mm × width 193 mm
Ryûryûkyo Shinsai
Turtles on a Rock
Japan, Japan, c. 1800 - c. 1805
Provenance
…; purchased from the dealer Hotei Japanese Prints, Leiden, by J.H.W. Goslings (1943-2011), Epse, near Deventer, 1987;1 by whom donated to the museum, 1991
Object number: RP-P-1991-628
Credit line: Gift of J.H.W. Goslings, Epse
Copyright: Public domain
Context
These two poets, or at least two poets with the same names - Shinyotei Zenko and Hyakujusai Hiromaru - also appear on an 1824 surimono designed by Kuniyasu.2 This is probably Hiromaru II, also known as the editor of a number of kyokabon for the Miyakodori poetry club issued in 1814, 1816 and 1817.
The artist
Ryuryukyo Shinsai (n.d., but often given as 1764?-1820; the latter date is definitely incorrect as his last known designs were issued in 1825) is said to have first been follower of Tawaraya Sori, and later of Katsushika Hokusai, who gave him the art-name Shinsai in 1800. His personal name was Masayuki. He was one of the most prolific designers of surimono in the early 19th century and thoroughly explored the possibilities of issuing works in titled series.
Entry
A family of turtles has apparently climbed a rock jutting out from the water to watch the first sunrise of the New Year.
Two poems by Shinno Zenko [later Shinyotei], and Hyakujusai Hiromaru [also Ame no Hiromaru or Suikintei Hiromaru, 1756-1809, a judge of the Miyakodori poetry club].3
Both poems are preceded by a short introductory remark, Hiromaru expressing his joy at the second - or 'new beginning' of Zenko.
Issued by the poets
Signature reading: Shinsai
Literature
M. Forrer, Surimono in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Leiden 2013, no. 151
Citation
M. Forrer, 2013, 'Ryûryûkyo Shinsai, Turtles on a Rock, Japan, c. 1800 - c. 1805', in Surimono from the Goslings Collection in the Rijksmuseum, online coll. cat. Amsterdam: hdl.handle.net/10934/RM0001.COLLECT.422463
(accessed 26 November 2024 23:41:08).