Minneapolis Institute of Art

(Kingfisher on reed)

Matsumura Keibun

Date

c. 1818–29

Medium

Woodblock print (surimono), ink and color on paper

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

As the young brother of Matsumura Goshun (1752-1811), the founder of Shijø School, Keibun greatly contributed to the development of the school. While his brother exceled in landscapes, Keibun's forte was birds and flowers in a delicate naturalistic style. Keibun designed this print of a kingfisher for members of a poetry society, whose verses are included with the image. Since all the poems are about winter, the design appropriately shows dried and withered leaves-a beautiful contrast to the bird's colorful plumage. Japan, Asia

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