What is the thematic context of The bell cricket (Chapter 38)?

japanese narrative tradition, courtly elegance & symbolism, celebration of female beauty, kunisada’s signature style, genji canon influence

Is The bell cricket (Chapter 38) under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

Buy a copy of The bell cricket (Chapter 38) - japanese narrative tradition

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The bell cricket (Chapter 38)

The Bell Cricket (chapter 38) — Utagawa Kunisada Ii

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The bell cricket (Chapter 38)

Japanese Edo Period
1857
33.0 x 22.0 cm
Art Gallery of New South Wales

Explore Utagawa Kunisada II's stunning ukiyo-e prints! Featuring actors, beauties & scenes from Japanese literature. Discover his legacy in Edo period art.

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This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

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It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

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This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

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The bell cricket (Chapter 38)

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Quick Facts

Subject or theme: Literature; Narrative Scene
Movement: Japanese Art
Influences: Kunisada I
Dimensions: 33 x 22 cm
Artist: Utagawa Kunisada II
Year: 1857
Location: Private Collection

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

What is the primary subject matter depicted in Utagawa Kunisada II’s painting "The Bell Cricket (Chapter 38)\?

A depiction of a samurai battle scene.

A portrait of a noblewoman adorned with jewelry.

An illustration from Murasaki Shikibu's novel, 'The Tale of Genji', focusing on themes of fate and romance.

Question 2:

Which artistic technique is prominently employed in this print?

Oil painting.

Watercolor.

Woodblock printing (Ukiyo-e)

Question 3:

What does the presence of a bottle symbolize within the composition?

A symbol of wealth and prosperity.

An element representing contemplation and reflection.

It serves as a decorative accent, adding visual interest to the scene.

Question 4:

Kunisada II’s style is heavily influenced by his teacher Toyokuni III (Kunisada I). How does this influence manifest in Kunisada II's work?

He abandons traditional ukiyo-e conventions.

He adopts a more experimental approach to color palettes.

He maintains the stylistic elements and compositional strategies characteristic of his master.

Question 5:

The painting’s atmosphere suggests what overarching theme?

Conflict and turmoil.

Isolation and melancholy.

Harmony and connection between individuals.

Artwork Description

The Bell Cricket (Chapter 38): A Symphony of Harmony in Edo Period Printmaking

Utagawa Kunisada II’s “The Bell Cricket” (Chapter 38), created in 1857, transcends mere visual representation; it embodies the spirit of its time—the waning Edo period and a fascination with literary themes. Published by Tsutaya Kichizo during this transitional era, this Oban tate-e print exemplifies Kunisada II’s masterful command of ukiyo-e technique and delves into profound psychological considerations. The image depicts three women engaged in conversation amidst a serene garden setting—a deliberate choice reflecting the influence of Murasaki Shikibu's seminal novel “The Tale of Genji,” which served as inspiration for this series.

Subject Matter: The scene captures a moment of quiet contemplation, portraying women enjoying companionship and engaging in animated discussion. A bottle sits prominently on the left side of the composition, adding to the visual richness and subtly hinting at themes of intimacy and reflection.
Style & Technique: Kunisada II’s signature style—characterized by meticulous detail and vibrant color palettes—is evident throughout. The print utilizes woodblock printing with ink and gold leaf, a technique perfected during the Edo period, resulting in stunning tonal gradations and luminous highlights that capture the ethereal quality of candlelight illuminating the garden.
Historical Context: “The Bell Cricket” emerged as part of a larger series exploring themes from “The Tale of Genji,” a cornerstone of Japanese literature. This series reflects the anxieties and aspirations of the era, grappling with notions of beauty, morality, and societal expectations—particularly concerning women’s roles in society.
Symbolism: The bell cricket itself symbolizes good fortune and renewal, aligning perfectly with the narrative's exploration of hope amidst adversity. The careful arrangement of figures and objects contributes to a harmonious composition that conveys a sense of tranquility and understated elegance.

Provenance: Mrs G.F. Williams – This print holds significant historical value, originating from the collection of an esteemed connoisseur who appreciated Kunisada II’s artistic legacy. Its condition—described as “Very fine colors” with “Full size”—further underscores its exceptional quality and preservation.

Exploring Kunisada II's Artistic Legacy

Kunisada II, a student of Toyokuni III (Kunisada I), skillfully honed his craft while simultaneously upholding the traditions of his master. Despite not achieving the same level of fame as his predecessor, Kunisada II’s prolific output—spanning over 40 series—solidifies his position as one of Japan's most celebrated ukiyo-e artists. His enduring influence can be seen in subsequent generations of printmakers and continues to inspire contemporary artists seeking inspiration from Edo period aesthetics. The meticulous attention to detail and masterful use of color exemplify the pinnacle of Japanese woodblock printing artistry.

A Reproduction Worth Admiring

A hand-painted reproduction of “The Bell Cricket” offers a captivating glimpse into Kunisada II’s artistic vision—a testament to his skill and an opportunity to bring this iconic image into your home. Utilizing the finest materials—premium paper, ink, and gold leaf—the reproduction faithfully captures the original print's luminosity and textural richness. It serves as more than just decoration; it’s a connection to Japanese art history and a celebration of timeless beauty.

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Artist Biography

early life and training

utagawa kunisada ii, also known as toyokuni iv, was a renowned japanese ukiyo-e print designer born in edo, japan in 1823. he was a pupil of utagawa kunisada i and signed much of his early work under the name kunimasa iii. around 1850-51, he adopted the name kunisada ii, marking his inheritance of the utagawa school.

artistic style and notable works

kunisada ii's prints include over 40 series, mostly featuring actors (yakusha-e), as well as portraits of beauties, illustrations of scenes from literature, erotica, and other subjects. one of his most celebrated works is the tale of the eight dog heroes (hakkendun inu no sōshi no uchi), dating from 1852, drawn from kyokutei bakin's epic novel, the satomi clan and the eight dogs (nansō satomi hakkenden).

legacy and later life

kunisada ii headed the utagawa school and worked in the style of his master, but never achieved the same level of success. his popularity waned in the meiji period (1868–1912), and he appears to have stopped making prints after 1874. he died on july 20, 1880, and was buried at banshōin kōunji. his buddhist posthumous name is sankōin hōkokujutei shinji.