Feeding the Myriad Bird (Momochidori), from the series "The Story of Three Birds (Sanchoden)"

Art Historical Context

"Feeding the Myriad (Momochidori from Keisai Eisen's seriesThe Story of Three Birds (Sanchoden)*, is a delightful 19th-century color woodblock print measuring 21.8 × 19.5 cm. Created during Japan's Edo period, this surimono—a luxurious, privately commissioned print often produced for special occasions like New Year's—showcases Eisen's mastery in the uyo-e tradition, blending whimsy with exquisite craftsmanship. Keisai Eisen (1790–1848), a prolific artist known for his bijin-ga (beautiful women) and genre scenes, here captures a poetic moment likely inspired by folklore or wordplay. "Momochidori" evokes a "peach-colored myriad bird," suggesting abundance and nature's harmony, central themes in Japanese art. Surimono like this one stand out for their refined techniques: vibrant colors layered through multiple woodblocks, subtle embossing, and sometimes mica for shimmer, making them collector's treasures more intimate than mass-produced ukiyo-e. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this print highlights the cultural vibrancy of Edo-period Japan, where art democratized beauty through innovative printing. Visitors will appreciate its compact elegance, a window into a world where birds symbolize joy and the fleeting pleasures of life.

About the Artist

Keisai Eisen · 1790–1848

Keisai Eisen (1790–1848), born Ikeda Yoshinobu in Edo (modern Tokyo), emerged as one of the late Edo period's most prolific ukiyo-e masters. The son of the renowned calligrapher and Kanō-school painter Ikeda Shigeharu, Eisen was immersed in the arts from childhood. He apprenticed under Kanō Hakkeisai, adopting the art name "Keisai" in homage to his teacher, and later studied bijin-ga (images of be...