鳥文斎栄之画　「柳貝」|The Willow Shell (Yanagi-kai), from an Untitled Set of Beauty Prints on the Theme of Shells

Chōbunsai Eishi

ca. 1791 · Woodblock print; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

Chōbunsai Eishi created this series on the theme of shells, but it seems he made up some varieties, such as this one: there is no such thing as a “willow shell.” The artist appears to be creating a visual pun: The poem refers to akoyagai (pearl oyster) shells, named after Akoya Bay in Aichi prefecture, where pearl oysters were once harvested. The branch of budding willow held by the standing courtesan resembles strands of pearls.

Artist

Chōbunsai Eishi

Date

ca. 1791

Medium

Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Estate of Samuel Isham, 1914