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Collections

Kawanabe Kyōsai
Kyōsai's Treatise on Painting1887

Not on view
Japanese woodblock-printed book title page with bold vertical text in a large circle, surrounded by a shishi lion amid swirling clouds and a dragon along the right border
Woodblock-printed book page with a vertical column of Chinese seal script characters at center, and a faint watermark-like dragon motif in the left panel.
Woodblock-printed book page with a bold ink dragon rendered in sweeping, gestural brushwork; vertical column of Japanese text at upper right; English header text at top margin.
Woodblock-printed page divided into four panels, each demonstrating a different brush stroke technique for depicting rock surfaces, labeled with vertical columns of Chinese characters. Upper panels show bold, sweeping strokes with heavy ink; lower left shows fine parallel contour lines; lower right shows thick, splintered brushwork.
Engraved anatomical illustration on aged paper, two plates stacked vertically. Upper plate: rear view of a small child beside an écorché adult figure with arm raised, muscles of the back and shoulder depicted in fine line engraving. Lower plate: skeletal rear view of a small child beside a partial écorché figure of a quadruped animal showing musculature. English text 'The Same' visible at upper right.
Woodblock-printed anatomical illustration in two registers: upper panel shows a male figure from the front alongside a frontal skeleton; lower panel depicts legs and hands with corresponding skeletal structures. Fine ink line work with Japanese text annotations at upper right.
Printed anatomical illustration in two registers: upper panel shows rear view of a nude male figure beside a full skeleton, both seen from behind; lower panel continues with legs and partial torso of the figure alongside skeletal leg bones, with a vertical column of Japanese text at lower left.
Japanese woodblock-printed book opening with ink and light blue wash; left page shows a group of deity figures with flowing robes, a blue vase, shell, and decorative vessel below, with vertical columns of Japanese script; right page depicts a robed figure enthroned above clouds and two kneeling figures beside a large circular object, with Japanese calligraphy at upper right.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread showing densely overlapping figures of supernatural beings with flowing red-orange hair, rendered in fine ink lines with pale blue and red accents; vertical columns of Japanese text at upper right.
Woodblock-printed book spread with hand-applied color, depicting a procession of oni demons and supernatural figures on horseback and on foot, carrying spears and weapons; sparse blue, orange, and red accents against fine ink linework; vertical columns of Japanese text at upper right.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread showing a dynamic scene of oni demons and supernatural figures, some mounted on horses pulling a cart, others on foot wielding weapons and shields, rendered in fine black ink line work on aged cream paper.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread, black ink on cream paper, depicting a dense procession of oni demons and supernatural figures with horns, claws, and wild hair, carrying weapons and a banner, rendered in energetic fine-line brushwork across both pages.
Woodblock print in black and white depicting a muscular, fierce-faced figure in flowing robes, leaning forward over rocky terrain with a gnarled tree behind; bold, fluid line work with Japanese calligraphy and seal at left.
Woodblock print of a seated luohan figure with wild hair and beard, robes rendered in flowing curved lines, beside a large decorated ritual vessel; columns of Chinese calligraphy at left and right margins.
Woodblock print of a bodhisattva figure seated in lotus position atop a dragon amid swirling clouds and waves, circular halo behind the head, flowing robes, with vertical columns of Japanese text at right.
Japanese woodblock print in coral-red and pale blue-gray, depicting a seated woman in layered robes looking upward at a large standing bearded figure draped in voluminous red robes; vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at upper right, red artist seal and cursive inscription at left.
Japanese woodblock print from a printed book, depicting a woman in a pale pink and white kimono with an elaborate topknot, clasped by a wild-haired, bearded armored warrior figure; a crouching lion-dog creature at lower right; vertical columns of Japanese script and a red seal at right.
Woodblock print with sparse color wash; a seated bearded figure plays a stringed instrument in the foreground, while a woman in a patterned orange robe sits behind atop a large pale moon disc; a smaller dancing figure appears in the upper left; Japanese calligraphy and a red seal at lower left.
Japanese woodblock print from a bound volume, three figures in traditional robes: a bearded elder in an ornate crown at left, a seated woman with long dark hair in layered pink and blue robes at center, and a young attendant holding a large round mirror at right. Columns of Japanese calligraphy at upper left.
Printed page with vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy, two black square seals with figural designs at left, and a faint background image of a face. English inscription at bottom reads: 'I inspected the face of the styles of Hokusō, Kanō, and Nansō, and copied the whole picture, Kwanabe Kiosai.'
Woodblock print page from a painting manual, bust-length figure with disheveled hair, broad grinning face, and flowing robes rendered in fluid ink lines; vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at right; English caption at top reads "The style of Painting of Sokokyn Shubun."
Woodblock print, close-up bust of a figure with wild, windswept hair and a wide open-mouthed grin, wearing a loosely draped robe, rendered in fluid black ink lines on pale paper.
Woodblock-printed book spread with six panels of ink figure studies: groups of male heads and faces in varied styles, including a deity head with elaborate crown, a bald figure, a woman, a child, and expressive close-up portraits. Vertical columns of Japanese text and English captions label each section.
Woodblock-printed book spread with bold ink line illustrations of male faces in various angles: a bearded figure with heavy brows and a tall headpiece dominates the right page; the left page shows two studies of heads, one in profile and one tilted back, with Japanese and English captions.
Woodblock-printed book spread with Japanese and English text, showing five figure studies in ink: on the left page, a fierce-faced demon, a serene bodhisattva figure with elaborate headdress, and a downward-gazing face; on the right page, a laughing figure with wild hair in loosely rendered robes. Vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy accompany each page.
Woodblock-printed book page with eight portrait studies of heads and faces in ink, arranged in a grid across two pages. Figures include women with elaborate hairstyles, a bearded elder, a figure in a round hat, and others with varied expressions. Vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy and Roman-script captions label each section.
Printed page with four portrait studies in ink: upper section shows a young man with topknot and an elderly bearded face beside rocky forms; lower section shows a fierce theatrical face with bold brushwork and a woman with elaborate hair ornaments. Vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy appear at right in each section.
Japanese woodblock print, two robed figures wading through stylized swirling waves; a bearded man holds a staff while a shaved-headed figure behind him carries a basket, with mountains in the distance; light blue wash and columns of Japanese text at right.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread showing six figures in ink with light wash; left page depicts two robed figures at a low table with a shamisen below, accompanied by Japanese calligraphy; right page shows a large bearded figure holding a fan and rope above three smaller crouching figures, with stylized smoke or flames in the background.
Woodblock-printed book spread with light blue wash, depicting a bearded elder in flowing robes raising a large fan, facing a massive supernatural figure with a second face visible on its torso and swirling drapery; vertical columns of Japanese kana annotations and a red seal at lower left.
Woodblock print illustration with light blue wash; a standing haloed figure with radiating lines overhead, flanked by two smaller figures in rolling waves holding a fishing net; Japanese cursive script at upper right.
Woodblock print, bust-length figure of a bearded man with coiled topknot hairstyle, wearing layered robes with decorative patterned collar, annotated with Japanese script and kana labels throughout the composition.
Woodblock-printed page from a Japanese illustrated book, depicting a tiger's face and upper body amid bamboo stalks, rendered in bold ink brushwork with dynamic black markings against white fur. Vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at right; English text inscription at upper center.
Printed page with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script, two red square seals at lower left, and a brief English caption in printed type below a ruled line.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread with hand coloring in red and blue; dynamic scene of oni demons and supernatural figures surrounding a large cauldron at left, with robed human figures at right; columns of Japanese calligraphy at lower right.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread with hand-applied color washes, depicting multiple dynamic figure groupings: floating robed figures above, humans and animals gathered around a cooking pot at lower left, and struggling figures near red flames at lower right. Vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at upper right alongside romanized English text reading 'The style of Painting of Tosa Noquzane.'
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread with hand-applied blue wash, depicting multiple figures in dynamic poses across both pages. Left page shows warriors and travelers in traditional dress, one wielding a sword; right page features armored samurai in combat and a cluster of supernatural or fantastical figures below. Vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy appear throughout, with a handwritten English title in the upper right corner.
Woodblock-printed book opening with two bust-length male portraits: left figure in a flat-topped scholar's hat and patterned robes; right figure in a tall formal court cap with sparse color wash at the collar. Vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at upper right of each page, with English captions along the top margins.
Woodblock-printed book illustration comparing two painting styles: upper half shows two figures with flowing hair in delicate line work; lower half depicts a shishi lion-dog head with bulging eyes and curling mane. English captions and vertical columns of Japanese text label each section.
Woodblock-printed book opening with two pages: left page shows grapevine with large leaves and clusters in ink, with vertical Japanese calligraphy at lower left; right page depicts a hawk perched on rocks, with a large square seal in filigreed design at upper center and vertical columns of Japanese and Chinese calligraphy at right. English headings visible at top of each page.
Woodblock-printed book spread showing two guardian deity heads in contrasting painting styles; left figure with blue-tinted swirling flames and a small lion ornament at the forehead, right figure with elaborate crown and radiating hair; vertical columns of Japanese text and English captions above each image.
Woodblock-printed illustrated book spread with two pages. Left page depicts a speckled hen and chick among grasses and white chrysanthemums, with green color wash. Right page shows a cow, a dog, and a seated figure beneath a drooping willow tree. Columns of Japanese calligraphy and printed English text appear in margins throughout.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread with two illustrated pages: left page shows robed figures beneath bare trees near a rocky waterfall; right page depicts frogs on lotus leaves and stems with a bird in flight above, rendered in pale washes of blue and green with fine ink outlines. Columns of Japanese text and English captions at top margins.
Woodblock-printed book opening with fine ink outlines and light blue wash; a groom in robes offers a water basin to a saddled horse viewed from the side; vertical column of Chinese characters at upper right
Woodblock print in pale blue, orange, and ink showing five children at play: one standing figure holds a triangular patterned banner on a pole beside a rock, two children wrestle or tumble together at center, one child sits on a blue mat with small objects, and two smaller figures stand at left.
Woodblock-printed book illustration showing two robed male figures facing each other beneath a gnarled pine tree, with bamboo and rockery in the background; vertical columns of Chinese text at left, a seal and partial English caption at upper right.
Woodblock print illustration in ink, depicting a dynamic figure wielding a staff and riding a lion-like creature in swirling clouds below, while a massive rocky outcrop surrounded by billowing clouds and a demon figure floats above. Vertical column of Chinese characters at upper right, with English caption at top margin.
Woodblock print in ink on cream paper; a groom bends forward tending to two horses at a feeding trough, a wooden bucket at his feet; fine outline style with minimal shading; vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at right, a seal at upper left, and a handwritten English caption along the bottom edge.
Woodblock print in ink, a robed bearded figure riding an ox led by a small crouching child, with mountains and a gnarled tree in the background; vertical columns of Japanese characters at lower right.
Woodblock print of a charging bull in profile, rendered with fine hatched lines suggesting dense fur; snow-covered bamboo and rocks at left, vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at right, with small English caption at lower right reading "The style of Painting of Tatsu."
Woodblock print reproduction of a brush painting in the Yuan dynasty style; a robed figure kneels beside a recumbent ox near sparse grasses, rendered in loose ink washes with minimal detail; vertical column of Chinese characters at upper right; English caption at lower right reads 'The style of Painting of Genshito Riokai.'
Woodblock-printed illustration in ink, a small bird perched on a fruiting branch at right, facing left with beak open; rounded berries and leaves extend to the left; soft wash clouds in background; vertical column of Japanese or Chinese characters at upper left.
Woodblock print with fine ink lines depicting two figures: a bearded elder in loose robes reclining and gesturing toward a kneeling younger figure who leans forward with head tilted back. A woven basket vase with flowers stands at right. Vertical columns of Chinese characters at upper left and upper right; handwritten English caption at lower left.
Woodblock print with light blue-gray wash; a robed, bearded figure reclines beneath a large pine tree, examining a scroll or brush, with a millstone and round objects nearby; rocky landscape and bare-branched trees at left; vertical column of Chinese calligraphy at upper right.
Japanese woodblock print, a robed figure reclining in a flat basket filled with large leaves, rendered in fine ink outlines with pale green wash; two lotus leaves float above; vertical column of Japanese characters at upper right.
Printed page with vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy in brush script, two square seal impressions at left, and a short English inscription below reading 'I inspected the part of faces of the styles of Yojo, Hirugawa, and others, and copied the whole picture. Kawanabe Kiosai.'
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread with ink line drawings of multiple exaggerated faces and heads clustered together; left page shows ghostly and demonic visages amid clouds and swirling forms, right page depicts a crowd of expressive faces in profile and three-quarter view with sparse blue color wash; vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at upper right.
Woodblock print page with five figures: a woman in robes at left, a reclining woman below her, a warrior in a red-accented helmet at top center, and two older men with beards at right. Fine ink linework with minimal color; vertical column of Japanese calligraphy and Latin script caption at upper right.
Woodblock-printed double-page spread with light blue wash accents, depicting numerous figures, animals, and fantastical creatures in loose ink outlines. Left page shows a crowded scene with roosters, human figures in robes, and a woman seated at upper right. Right page features figures carrying vessels, a child in a blue floral garment, caged roosters, and a creature with wild hair at upper right. Vertical columns of Japanese text appear at right; English handwriting in pencil at top reads 'The style of Painting of Kasuga Mitsun.'
Woodblock print, half-length figure of a woman in a pale kimono with floral-patterned obi, adjusting a hairpin in an elaborate upswept coiffure; minimal line work with red accent at the lips, vertical column of Japanese characters at right, English caption text at top.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread with fine ink line work. Left page: large close-up of a warrior's face in helmet beneath a looming lion or demon figure, with vertical columns of Japanese text. Right page: two armored figures in dynamic combat poses in a coastal landscape with sparse trees and hills; vertical Japanese text at upper right.
Woodblock-printed book illustration of flowering and leafy branches in dark ink on aged paper, rendered with bold brushwork. Vertical columns of Japanese text at upper right and left, with two red seal impressions at lower left.
Woodblock print page showing two turtles in profile, one large and one small, rendered with bold ink lines and shaded carapace segments. Vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at left and right margins, with an English caption along the top border.
Woodblock print page featuring five figures in expressive brushwork style: a tall robed man with a beard at center, flanked by a disembodied face at upper left, a profile head at upper right, a crouching disheveled figure at lower left, and a standing man in hakama at right. Vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at right margin and a seal at lower left.
Woodblock print page featuring multiple figure studies in ink: a scholar seated at a writing table at top, surrounded by loosely brushed figures in various poses, with enlarged portrait head studies of bearded and clean-shaven men in the lower half. Vertical column of Japanese or Chinese characters at right; English caption at top reads 'The style of Painting of Ike Taigado.'
Woodblock print, bust-length figure of a bald man with a beard, large ears with a ring earring, and flowing robes rendered in bold curved lines; vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at upper right and lower left.
Woodblock print with light blue wash; three figures in Chinese-style robes gathered around a large oval mirror or basin on a wheeled stand. A seated figure appears reflected within. Fluid ink outlines with minimal color. Vertical column of Japanese text at upper right; red seal and additional text at lower right.
Woodblock-printed illustration of a figure in three-quarter view, head bowed, with an elaborate upswept hairstyle adorned with ornamental pins. Wearing a kimono with patterned shoulders in light blue and gray. Columns of Japanese script at right, with English text along the top edge.
Woodblock print page showing four heads in close composition: two figures with long hair in the upper portion, one with a pink garment, and two cropped faces below including a bearded figure. Vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at right margin, English text along top edge.
Woodblock print depicting four women with long black hair arranged across the composition; the largest figure in the foreground wears a pink floral-patterned kimono, with three smaller figures in the background. Columns of Japanese calligraphy and English text at top read 'The style of Painting of Hishigawa Morenobu.'
Japanese woodblock print page divided into three horizontal registers depicting multiple figures. Top row shows three women with elaborate black coiffures in pink and white robes. Middle row shows several figures including one wearing a wide-brimmed sedge hat. Bottom row shows expressive male faces with hats and facial hair, with touches of red. Japanese character at upper right.
Woodblock print page featuring multiple bust-length studies of figures with traditional Japanese hairstyles and dress; a large head dominates the upper left, combing hair, surrounded by smaller figures in pale pink and gray tones; vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at upper right; English caption at top reads "The style of Painting of Miyagawa Chōsun."
Woodblock print page showing five faces in varying scales: a bald bearded man and a woman with upswept hair at top, two women with traditional hairstyles below, and smaller figures in the lower right including one wearing red. Vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at left and right margins, with English text along the top edge.
Woodblock print with sparse color wash depicting a cluster of overlapping heads and faces in varied styles, including women with elaborate hair ornaments and a fan, a bearded man, and a floating infant figure at top holding a round object in red-striped garment; vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at right.
Woodblock-printed book page with two bijin portraits stacked vertically; each depicts a woman with elaborate hair ornaments and layered kimono with red accents, rendered in fine ink lines with light color wash; columns of Japanese calligraphy flank the figures, with English text reading "The style of Painting of Kikugawa Yeisan" at top right.
Woodblock print of a seated figure playing a shamisen, wearing a pale blue kimono with floral and bird patterns, with a shaved head and beard; vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at right, English inscription along top margin.
Woodblock-printed book opening with ink and light hand-applied color; left page depicts a rearing white horse amid figures in combat, some fallen; right page shows a dense battle scene with armored warriors, robes, and drawn swords; vertical columns of Japanese script at upper right and English inscription along the top margin.
Japanese woodblock print, two figures in traditional dress; a seated figure draped in flowing pink robes faces right, while a standing figure in white robes holds a cloth behind. Japanese calligraphy visible between the figures.
Woodblock print, bust-length figure in three-quarter profile with elaborate upswept hairstyle adorned with multiple kanzashi pins and pink floral ornament, wearing a pale green and white kimono, one hand raised. Vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at right; English text at upper margin.
Woodblock print reproduction of two standing figures in layered kimono with elaborate hair ornaments, rendered in soft pink, lavender, and gray tones, with Japanese calligraphy and handwritten English annotations throughout.
Woodblock print page with multiple ink sketches of supernatural figures, including a long-haired female specter with outstretched clawed hands, a crouching demon, and several ghostly human forms in flowing robes; Japanese calligraphy and Latin text caption throughout
Woodblock-printed book page with two illustrations and English captions. Top image: a large frog crouching beside a dark barrel amid rocks and broad leaves in pale blue-gray wash. Bottom image: a robed figure leaning over a shallow basin, with a covered bucket nearby; vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at left.
Woodblock print page featuring a cluster of figures in ukiyo-e style: several women with elaborate hair ornaments in the upper portion, and male figures below, one reading a document. Sparse color accents in red and blue; vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at upper right and English text along the top edge.
Woodblock-printed page with two illustrated panels and English captions. Upper panel: a large frog clinging to a cylindrical drum amid stylized foliage, rendered with bold outlines and pale blue wash. Lower panel: a robed figure bent forward with hands submerged in a shallow basin, with a wooden bucket nearby; vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at left.
Japanese woodblock print featuring a cluster of figures, primarily women with elaborate hair ornaments, alongside male figures at lower right. One woman reads a document in the foreground; others hold pipes. Sparse color accents in red and blue. Vertical column of Japanese calligraphy at upper right; handwritten English text at top margin.
Woodblock print, two women in traditional Japanese dress with elaborate hair ornaments, one leaning over the other from behind; sparse ink lines with red accents, columns of Japanese calligraphy at right and lower center, English text along top margin.
Woodblock-printed book page featuring five heads in close composition: three women with elaborate hair ornaments and kanzashi pins, one male figure playing a flute, and one child, rendered in fine ink lines with minimal red accent color. Vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at left, English inscription at top margin.
Woodblock print, two figures in Chinese warrior dress wielding spears; the larger figure wears a tiger-head helmet and ornate robes, the smaller figure stands behind in layered garments; fine ink line work with columns of Japanese and Chinese text at right.
Japanese woodblock print, double-page spread with pale blue wash, depicting swirling supernatural figures and demons in dynamic, windswept composition; vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at left and English inscription at upper right reading 'The style of Painting of Toha Soujo'; fluid ink lines with expressive, humorous figures tumbling amid clouds and curling forms
Woodblock-printed book cover on pale yellow paper; a robed male figure seated within a circular medallion holds a scroll and brush, surrounded by columns of Chinese calligraphy; thread binding visible at right spine.
Woodblock-printed book page on tan paper, depicting a toad and coiled snake within a circular medallion, surrounded by a diamond-shaped border with stylized cloud and demon-face motifs; small columns of Chinese or Japanese script at lower left.
Printed book page with red-orange ink on cream paper, featuring a large circular title cartouche with Chinese characters, surrounded by twelve square and irregular seals displaying Chinese and archaic script, pictographic designs, and small figural motifs including animals and ritual vessels.
Printed page from a Japanese bound book, densely filled with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script running right to left, black ink on cream paper.
Printed book page with columns of Japanese cursive script (kuzushiji) in black ink on cream paper, arranged in vertical lines read right to left.
Printed book page with dense columns of Japanese cursive script in brush-printed ink on cream paper, running right to left in vertical lines.
Printed book page with dense columns of Japanese cursive script in kana and kanji, arranged in vertical lines read right to left, with light ink on aged paper.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread showing two interior scenes crowded with figures in traditional dress, engaged in various workshop or studio activities; fine ink lines depict tools, shelving, and architectural elements, with columns of Japanese text at lower left and right margins.
Printed book page densely filled with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script, reading right to left, with small annotation marks alongside some characters.
Printed book page with dense columns of Japanese cursive script in kana and kanji, arranged in vertical lines reading right to left, with small interlinear annotations throughout.
Printed Japanese book page with dense vertical columns of cursive kana and kanji text, black ink on cream paper, within a ruled border.
Printed Japanese book page with vertical columns of cursive Japanese script, title text in formal brushwork at upper right, on aged cream paper with ruled border.
Japanese woodblock print page showing a temple gate with a muscular guardian figure (niō) in a niche at right, and a landscape scene at left with two small figures near rocks and trees; vertical columns of Japanese text in upper right; bird perched on the roofline above.
Woodblock-printed book spread with two illustrated scenes and columns of Japanese text. Left page shows a robed figure bowing before a stone grave marker among trees and small attendants. Right page depicts a group of seated robed figures gathered outdoors near rocks and vegetation.
Printed page from a Japanese bound book, densely filled with vertical columns of cursive Japanese text in black ink on cream paper, with ruled border.
Printed page from a Japanese book with dense columns of cursive Japanese script in black ink on cream paper, arranged in traditional right-to-left vertical format.
Printed page with columns of flowing Japanese cursive script (kuzushiji) in black ink on cream paper, with a ruled border.
Japanese woodblock print with vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at upper left. A robed figure seated at a low worktable with brushes, ink stones, and bowls in the foreground; above, a multi-armed deity seated on a lotus within a circular mandorla with flame patterns.
Printed Japanese book page with columns of cursive Japanese script in kana and kanji, black ink on cream paper, with a faint landscape illustration visible beneath the text at lower left.
Japanese woodblock-printed book opening with two illustrated panels and columns of cursive Japanese text. Right panel: a seated monk with shaved head examines a scroll, with a haloed figure above and a hanging painting of a bull at right. Left panel: a group of robed figures gathered outdoors near a building.
Japanese woodblock print, double-page spread depicting a celestial scene; left page shows a robed figure seated in clouds amid smaller figures and radiating rays; right page crowded with dynamic figures, demons, and swirling clouds, with a vertical column of Japanese text at upper right.
Printed Japanese book page with columns of cursive kana and kanji script running right to left, black ink on cream paper within a ruled border.
Woodblock-printed Japanese book spread showing two pages densely filled with vertical columns of cursive Japanese script, printed in black ink on cream paper.
Woodblock-printed book opening with two illustrated pages depicting swirling clouds, waves, and wind in fine line work, accompanied by columns of Japanese cursive script above each illustration.
Woodblock-printed book spread depicting a shishi (lion-dog) in dynamic motion across both pages, rendered in bold brushwork with swirling fur and clouds in gray ink on cream paper; columns of Japanese text and a seal at upper margins.
Japanese woodblock-printed book opening with two pages depicting dynamic figures in flowing robes and billowing drapery; the left page shows a fierce figure wielding a sword, the right page shows a swirling confrontation of figures amid clouds, rendered in fine ink line work with columns of Japanese text at right.
Woodblock-printed double-page spread with two dynamic figures in flowing robes facing each other across the gutter, rendered in fine ink lines; columns of Japanese or Chinese text appear at left and right margins.
Printed Japanese book page with multiple vertical columns of cursive kana and kanji script, black ink on cream paper, bordered by a thin rectangular frame.
Woodblock-printed Japanese book opening, showing two pages densely filled with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink on cream paper, with slight yellowing at edges.
Woodblock-printed book opening with an illustration on the left page showing a group of figures in traditional Japanese dress gathered around an artist at work, with painting tools and scrolls on the floor, and landscape visible in the background; columns of cursive Japanese script fill the right page and margins of the illustration.
Woodblock-printed Japanese book opening; right page depicts a gaunt standing figure with disheveled hair, hollow eyes, and exposed ribs in loose robes, beside a square paper lantern; left page filled with vertical columns of Japanese text.
Bound book open to a two-page spread, densely filled with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink on cream paper, with circular section markers visible in the left margin.
Japanese woodblock-printed book opening with fine ink line work across two pages, depicting multiple small figures of children and adults engaged in various activities arranged in loose clusters. Upper scenes show figures carrying objects and working at low tables; lower scenes include figures near large wire cages, a rooster, and scattered implements. Vertical columns of Japanese text at upper right.
Japanese woodblock print with two registers: upper scene shows two figures crossing a river; lower scene depicts a crowd of figures in animated poses surrounding a central object on the ground, with columns of Japanese text at upper right and a seal at lower right.
Japanese woodblock-printed book opening showing multiple cats rendered in fine ink lines; left page depicts four cats in various poses including a reclining black-and-white cat below clustered heads; right page shows a single fluffy cat seated facing forward amid plants and hanging branches, with vertical columns of Japanese text at upper corners.
Japanese woodblock print, two-page spread depicting dynamic animal combat scenes: left page shows a large eagle with spread wings grappling with a wild boar, right page shows two bears locked in struggle; bold brushwork with gray ink wash, vertical columns of Japanese text on each page with a red seal at lower left.
Woodblock-printed illustrated book spread with Japanese calligraphic annotations. Left page: detailed studies of rooster heads at top, and an intricately detailed tortoise at bottom. Right page: studies of insects including cicadas and dragonflies at top, and a group of shaggy animals at bottom, rendered in fine ink lines with light gray wash.
Woodblock-printed book opening with two pages: left page depicts a mythological lion-like creature amid swirling clouds and waves; right page shows detailed anatomical studies of a turtle from multiple angles, including the full shell, head, claws, and tail. Vertical columns of Japanese text appear at center. Fine ink linework throughout.
Woodblock-printed book spread; left page bearing columns of Japanese text in brushed and printed script; right page with line-drawn illustration of two women in traditional robes, one kneeling and holding a fan, the other standing behind, with a writing box nearby and Japanese calligraphy at upper right and lower right margins.
Printed Japanese book page with vertical columns of cursive kana script in black ink on cream paper, slightly aged with foxing along the edges.
Woodblock-printed book spread showing a three-quarter portrait of a court figure wearing layered Heian-period robes in orange, pink, and white with floral patterns, and a tall black lacquered cap; vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy and printed text boxes appear on both pages.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread showing two figures in Heian court dress: a seated woman with long black hair wearing layered pale blue and salmon robes on the left, and a reclining figure with unbound hair on the right, with columns of Japanese text at upper right.
Japanese woodblock-printed double-page spread depicting a chaotic fire scene; crowds of figures flee amid orange-red flames and smoke, with birds in flight overhead; columns of Japanese text appear in upper right corner and lower margins.
Japanese woodblock print, two-page spread with pink and black ink. Left page depicts a crowd of figures in traditional dress amid diagonal streaks of flames, with vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at upper left. Right page shows a close-up of swirling flames rendered in bold pink washes with dynamic curved linework.
Woodblock-printed book page with a mountain landscape in fine ink lines above columns of vertical Japanese cursive script; jagged peaks and rocky cliffs fill the upper half, with Japanese calligraphic inscription in the upper right corner.
Japanese woodblock print with two panels: upper panel shows a mountain landscape with steep ridges and a river valley, Japanese text at top; lower panel depicts a seated figure beside a lantern and scattered objects, with columns of Japanese cursive script.
Woodblock-printed book spread with two landscape illustrations depicting mountain ranges, valleys, and settlements rendered in fine ink lines, accompanied by columns of Japanese cursive script above each scene.
Japanese woodblock-printed book opening across two pages; right page shows a gnarled pine tree with a bird perched at its crown and columns of Japanese text; left page depicts three figures in a landscape with fine-line brushwork, accompanied by vertical columns of Japanese cursive script.
Illustrated woodblock-printed book spread; left page shows a brush-line landscape with two figures on rocky terrain beside flowing water, one standing with a staff; right page filled with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread, two pages depicting a crowded battle or river-crossing scene with numerous figures on foot and horseback wading through swirling water; fine ink line work with light blue wash; vertical columns of Japanese cursive script above the scenes on both pages.
Woodblock-printed book opening; left page shows a mountain landscape with jagged peaks and three travelers on a path, rendered in fine black ink lines; right page filled with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script.
Woodblock-printed double-page landscape of jagged mountain peaks and forested valleys, with fine ink line work depicting rocky ridges, scattered trees, and a settlement at lower right; columns of Japanese text and cartouches appear at upper right and within the composition.
Japanese woodblock print illustration showing a dynamic scene of figures in flowing robes amid rocky terrain and foliage, with a long pole or staff arcing across the composition; columns of Japanese text in a box at lower right and upper left.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread with fine black line illustration across two pages, depicting a crowded scene of shaved-headed figures on a raised platform or stairway above a chaotic lower gathering; skeletal and ghostly forms appear in the lower center, with columns of Japanese text in the upper corners.
Woodblock print page from a Japanese illustrated book, mountainous landscape with gnarled trees and rocky cliffs rendered in fine black ink lines; two small figures crouch at lower right; vertical columns of Japanese text at upper right and a rectangular seal with Japanese characters at lower left.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread showing two panoramic mountain landscapes with fine line work; trees, valleys, and structures in the foreground; vertical columns of Japanese text and seals in the upper corners.
Japanese woodblock-printed book opening across two pages, depicting a densely crowded scene of figures within an architectural interior, with trees and water visible at left; columns of Japanese text in the upper right corner; fine black line work throughout.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread, two pages depicting interior scenes with multiple figures in traditional robes. Left page shows figures on steps and a veranda with onlookers above; right page shows figures seated on tatami in conversation, with additional figures crowding a doorway. Fine ink line work with Japanese characters visible in upper right corner.
Japanese woodblock-printed book spread, depicting crowded multi-tiered interior spaces filled with figures in robes and casual dress, some seated on platforms and balconies, others gathered below; fine ink linework with pale blue wash accents; vertical columns of Japanese cursive script at upper right.
Woodblock print of a large black crow perched on a branch, rendered in bold ink washes with expressive brushwork. Columns of Japanese calligraphy and a red seal appear at upper right.
Woodblock-printed book page with four ink brush studies of fragmentary Japanese armor pieces, shown from multiple angles, with riveted plates and worn, irregular edges; vertical columns of Japanese calligraphy at upper right and a seal at center right
Woodblock print illustration of fragmentary Japanese armor, including a helmet with shikoro and damaged lamellar body armor, rendered in fine outlines with pale green wash; two Japanese characters at upper right.
Woodblock print of a standing white egret in three-quarter view, rendered with bold contrast between the bird's pale body and dark legs and beak, against a lightly striated gray background.
Woodblock-printed illustrated page showing two detailed studies of a carp: the upper fish depicted in full profile with open mouth and scaled body, the lower showing the tail section; a small diagram of fish scales appears at top left. Japanese text in vertical columns at upper left and right, with a rectangular seal mark.
Woodblock print with hand-applied blue wash, frontal bust of a seated robed figure wearing a crown-like cap inscribed with a character, with a fierce expression, flowing garments with curling folds, and hands clasped at the lap; vertical columns of Japanese text at upper right.
Woodblock-printed illustration with hand-applied color, a seated guardian figure in flowing robes with a crown-like headdress, rendered in fine ink outlines with touches of blue and red, small Chinese character in upper right corner.
Woodblock print with hand-applied color, seated deity figure with red face and fierce expression, wearing a crown inscribed with Chinese characters, holding a tablet, robes with patterned details in pale pink and gray wash, Chinese characters at upper right
Woodblock print with hand-applied color, a seated figure wearing official robes and a tall hat, with a red oni-like face with bulging eyes and curling beard, raising a rectangular tablet in one hand; vertical columns of Japanese text and a round seal at right.
Woodblock-printed book spread with fine ink line illustration depicting a large crowd of figures in varied dress across two pages, set in an architectural interior and outdoor space; vertical columns of Japanese text at upper right; artist's seal at lower right.
Woodblock-printed book illustration, ink on paper, of a seated male figure in formal court robes and tall black cap, holding a staff, with a circular halo behind his head; columns of Japanese calligraphy and a red seal at upper and lower right.
Woodblock print from a bound Japanese book depicting a seated bodhisattva figure in flowing robes with an elaborate crown and circular nimbus, eyes downcast, one hand lowered with open palm; columns of Japanese calligraphy at upper right and lower right.
Woodblock-printed book page with ink landscape study of rocky cliffs and sparse vegetation rendered in loose, expressive brushwork; vertical column of Chinese characters at upper right margin; square seal impression at lower left.
Woodblock-printed book opening with two landscape scenes in ink and light color wash. Left page depicts a mountain pool with swirling water, a small pavilion, and tall pine trees; right page shows towering waterfalls cascading through rugged cliffs, with a small standing figure at the base. Vertical columns of Chinese or Japanese characters appear in upper corners of each page.
Woodblock-printed landscape from a bound Japanese book, depicting a tall central waterfall plunging into a rocky gorge, surrounded by dense trees and cascading secondary falls; two small figures stand at the base for scale; vertical column of Chinese characters at upper right.
Woodblock-printed Japanese book cover with worn blue cloth binding; a mythical dragon or shishi creature fills the lower portion amid swirling clouds, a red sun at right, and a circular cartouche containing vertical columns of Japanese text in the center.
Artist or Maker
Kawanabe Kyōsai
Japan, 1831-1889
Title
Kyōsai's Treatise on Painting
Place Made
Japan
Date Made
1887
Medium
Color woodblock printed books; four volumes covered with a slip cover having woodblock printed illustration adhered to cloth
Dimensions
Volumes: 10 1/4 x 5 1/2 x 3/8 in. (26.0 x 14.0 x .95 cm); each cover open: 10 1/2 x 24 in. (26.7 x 61.0 cm)
Credit Line
Herbert R. Cole Collection
Accession Number
M.84.31.517.1-.5
Classification
Books
Collecting Area
Japanese Art