歌川広重画　燕子花に川蝉|Kingfisher and Irises

Utagawa Hiroshige

1832–34 · Woodblock print · Asian Art

As part of the Boys’ Day celebration, on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar year, irises (ayame) were attached to the eaves of a family’s house. The anonymous poet here suggests that the fragrance is transferred to the garments of those standing below: 雨垂に 袖もあやめに 匂ひけり Amadare ni sode mo ayame ni nioi keri Rain dripping from the eaves drenches our kimono sleeves with the fragrance of irises. —Trans. John T. Carpenter

Artist

Utagawa Hiroshige

Date

1832–34

Medium

Woodblock print

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936