Untitled series of beauties compared to the Five
Elements (gogyō)
Publisher: Fujioka-ya Hikotarō
c. 1840
The five elements (godai) are wood (ki), fire (hi), earth (tsuchi), metal (kane) and water (mizu). They do not represent the modern scientific concept of elements as fundamental substances out of which all things are composed. Rather, they represent categories and concepts to which all things can be likened and by which analysed in a spiritual or philosophical manner. This series is not listed in Kuniyoshi by Basil William Robinson (Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1961). The prints are each about 14 by 10 inches (36 by 25 centimeters), a size known as ōban.
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Element: Wood (Ki, 木) Description:
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No image available |
Element:
Fire (Hi, 火) Description:
Fulling silk
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Element:
Earth (Tsuchi,
土) Description:
Standing beauty |
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Another state of the above
print |
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Element:
Metal (Kin, 金) Description:
Fulling silk
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Element: Water (Mizu, 水) Description:
Beauty washing a textile |
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