埼鳳画譜|Kihō Picture Album (Kihō gafu 埼鳳画譜)

Art Historical Context

Step into the whimsical world of Kawamura Kihō's *Kihō Picture AlbumKihō gafu 埼鳳画譜)*, a delightful woodblock-printed book from autumn 1827 (Bunsei 10) during Japan's Edo period (16151868). This compact treasure, measuring 10 3/8 × 7 1/16 inches, bursts with ink and color on paper, showcasing Kihō's mastery in capturing nature's charm. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Asian Art Department, it exemplifies the era's illustrated books, blending artistry with accessible printing techniques. Woodblock printing, a hallmark of Edo-period publishing, allowed intricate designs to be reproduced vividly—carvers meticulously chiseled multiple blocks for text, outlines, and layered colors. Kihō, known for his expressive animal depictions, fills this *gafu* (picture album) with enchanting rabbits, symbols of playfulness and seasonal change in Japanese culture. These albums served as inspirational collections for artists and collectors, reflecting the period's fascination with everyday beauty amid urban prosperity. Acquired through the Mary and James G. Wallach Foundation Gift in 2013, this work invites visitors to appreciate how Edo artisans transformed simple paper into portals of wonder, bridging art and nature in harmonious strokes.

About the Artist

Kawamura Kihō 河村琦鳳 · 1778–1852

Kawamura Kihō (河村琦鳳, 1778–1852) was a Japanese painter active during the late Edo period, a time when artistic traditions flourished amid urban prosperity and cultural refinement. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain scarce in historical records. Born in 1778, Kihō contributed to the vibrant world of album painting (gafu), producing intricate work...