Untitled series of beauties compared to the Five
Elements
Publisher: Fujioka-ya Hikotarō
c. 1840
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The Five Elements (gogyō, 五行) are wood (ki), fire (hi), earth (tsuchi), metal (kane) and water (mizu). They do not represent the modern scientific concept of elements as fundamental substances out of which all things are composed. Rather, they represent categories and concepts to which all things can be likened and by which analysed in a spiritual or philosophical manner. This series is not listed in Kuniyoshi by Basil William Robinson (Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1961). The prints are each about 14 by 10 inches (36 by 25 centimeters), a size known as ōban. |
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Element: Wood (Ki, 木) Description: |
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Element: Fire (Hi, 火) Description: Beauty with a paper lantern |
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Element: Earth (Tsuchi, 土) Description: Standing
beauty looking downward at shoots with butterflies |
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Another state of the above print |
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Yet another state of the above design printed entirely in blue
and red |
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Element: Metal (Kin, 金) Description: Fulling silk |
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Another state of the above design with different colors |
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A simplified and less labor intensive
state of the above design |
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Element: Water (Mizu, 水) Description: Beauty
washing a textile |
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