Susaki

Title: Susaki
Creator: Shotei Hokuju
Period: Edo
Date: 1810-1819
Culture: Japan
Series: New Perspective Pictures
Style: Ukiyo-e
Medium:  woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 25 x 37 cm
Repository: Wetmore Print Collection, Art History Dept, Cummings Arts Center, Connecticut College, New London
Credit line: Gift by Prof. Caroline Black, Botany Dept, Connecticut College
ID number: slide#0024; black015

Additional Notes: The relationship between architecture and nature has always been important to the Japanese. This can be attributed to Japan’s Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, which have had a significant influence on its architecture. Which is seen through the focus on natural light and the use of raw wood as a building material, both on the exterior and interior. Regarding the print, the irimoya style roofing is once again present along with the horizontal nature of the structures allowing trees to tower over them.

References

Hokuju, Japanese. Susaki. color woodcut. Place: Wetmore Print Collection, Art History Dept, Cummings Arts Center, Connecticut College, New London, Donated by Prof. Caroline Black, Botany Dept, Connecticut College. https://library.artstor.org/#/asset/CONNASIAN_106310758465 (access to Artstor required)

Hokuju, Shotei. “Susaki, from the Series ‘New Perspective Pictures (Shin Uki-e)”.” The Art Institute of Chicago, Arts of Asia, www.artic.edu/artworks/19233/susaki-from-the-series-new-perspective-pictures-shin-uki-e.

Kahn, Marc. Shin-Hanga Seal Finder, 2006, shotei.com/seals/seal_query.php.