Artwork preview

Tai Fish and Top-Shells

Kubo Shunman

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a large fish lying on its side with its head to the right. The fish has a large eye, an open mouth, and visible scales. Its fins are drawn in detail, with the tail fin spread out behind it. To the left of the fish is a dark-colored object resembling a sea urchin or similar creature, with spines and a circular center. Below the fish are three oval-shaped objects, two smaller and lighter-colored, and one larger and reddish-brown, possibly representing shells or other sea creatures. The background of the image is a light beige color, with some darker spots and lines that may be due to aging. There are several lines of Japanese text written in black and red ink at the top of the image. The overall composition suggests a traditional Japanese-style illustration, possibly from an ukiyo-e woodblock print.

Artwork Details

Date
19th century
Medium
Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
558 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette