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Horses beneath a flowering plum tree
Horses beneath a flowering plum tree

Horses beneath a flowering plum tree

Artist (Japanese, 1739 - 1820)
Place of OriginJapan
Dateapprox. 1770s
CultureJapanese
MaterialsInk and colors on paper
DimensionsH. 8 1/2 in x W. 11 in, H. 21.6 cm x W. 27.9 cm (chūban)
Credit LineGift of the Grabhorn Ukiyo-e Collection
Object number2005.100.61
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsPrints And Drawings
On View
Not on view
SignedSignature: 北尾重政画 Kitao Shigemasa ga Collector’s seal: Edwin and Marjorie Grabhorn (verso)
More Information
A black, a white, and a spotted horse stand at the edge of a stream, beneath a flowering plum tree. In pointed contrast to the detailed drawing of the tree, the horses are printed in reserve, without outlines. Internal definition is achieved by means of karazuri, sometimes known as “blind-printing” or “gauffrage.” In this technique, blank areas of the design are pressed on the carved block to create low relief embossed patterns without the use of color. The mane and tail of the white horse have the most karazuri, but there are embossed details on all three animals.