Blue Shell (Aogai), from the series "Five Colors (Goshiki no uchi)"
c. 1820
Medium
Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono
Dimensions
21.2 × 18.5 cm (8 3/8 × 7 5/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
81777
Art Historical Context
Behold the exquisite *Blue Shell (Aogai)*, a gem from Ryūryūkyo Shinsai's series *Five Colors (Goshiki no uchi)*, crafted around 1820 during Japan's vibrant Edo period. Shinsai, a master of ukiyo-e woodblock printing, specialized in intimate, poetic surimono—luxury prints commissioned for elite poetry circles or New Year's greetings. This square shikishiban format (21.2 × 18.5 cm) invites close contemplation, its title evoking the iridescent allure of a seashell in shades of blue, symbolizing nature's subtle elegance. Printed with meticulous color woodblocks, the work showcases advanced techn...