Minneapolis Institute of Art

Bonito and Saxifrage

Utagawa Hiroshige; Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi

Date

c. 1832–33

Medium

Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The combination of a bonito with twigs of cherry suggests early summer, when cherry trees begin to fruit and the season’s first bonitos are caught. Both of the poems on this print refer to hatsu-gatsuo (first bonito), the first catch of the season. Traditionally, the Japanese place a high value on hatsu-mono (first foods), the earliest fruits, vegetables, or fish of a particular season. The “first bonito” was the most prized of all and commanded a high price. People anticipated this seasonal delicacy with much excitement, as described in the poems. Look at the color of the first bonitos! They are as blue as morning glories. No wonder they come along to market before the sun rises. Toshinokado Haruki The first bonito caught on the beach near the place called Under Snow melts like snow in my mouth. How tasty it is! Toshiiori Machikado Asia

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