Monkey (Saru): Sun Wukong (Son Gokū), from the series Bravery Matched with the Twelve Animals of the Zodiac (Buyū mitate jūnishi)

Maker(s)
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳 (1798-1861)
Publisher: Minatoya Kohei (Kinsendō) 湊屋小兵衛 ((active c. 1841–1862))
Historical period(s)
Edo period, ca. 1840
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 36.6 x 12.5 cm (14 7/16 x 4 15/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S2004.3.168.9
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
Anne van Biema collection, battle, Eastern zodiac, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, monkey, portrait, ukiyo-e, wine
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

The zodiac sign of the monkey is represented by the Chinese monkey king Sun Wukong (Japanese, Son Gokv), one of the three followers of the Buddhist monk Yuan Zhuang in the Chinese novel, Journey to the West or Monkey (Chinese, Xiyou ji; Japanese, Saiyvki). The monk and his companions traveled to India in 629 to collect and study the sacred texts of Buddhism. Here the monkey transforms his fur into an army to battle his enemy the pig, who later becomes his closest companion on the pilgrimage. This print is from the first edition of the series. The fine printing combines graded color in a dynamic, swirling composition of exceptional artistry.

Published References
  • Robert T. Singer. The Life of Animals in Japanese Art. Exh. cat. Princeton, New Jersey. p 52, fig 10I.
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 88, pp. 214-5, 232-33.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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