Colorful Realm of Living Beings: A School of Fish
群魚図
Ito Jakuchu · c. 1766 (Meiwa 3) · Hanging scroll
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One of the 30 scrolls of Ito Jakuchu's National Treasure Colorful Realm of Living Beings, a hanging scroll in color on silk filled with fish large and small. It is dated to around 1766 (Meiwa 3) and is held by the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan.
- Artist
- Ito Jakuchu
- Date
- c. 1766 (Meiwa 3)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
A School of Fish is one of the 30 scrolls of Colorful Realm of Living Beings. According to the Sannomaru Shozokan's record, it is painted in color on silk, measures 142.6 cm high by 79.4 cm wide, dates from around 1766 (Meiwa 3) in the Edo period, and is designated a National Treasure.
The tall composition scatters many fish that differ in shape and color: reddish fish like a sea bream, round puffed-up fish, and slender ones. The background is a calm ground color against which the scales and markings stand out.
In the museum's record this is the 28th scroll, and the 27th, Assorted Fish, is also dated to around 1766 (Meiwa 3). Near the end of the series, scrolls on the subject of fish follow one another.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru ShozokanMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Chiyoda, Tokyo Accession no. SZK002949-028
Plan your visit to The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan, which holds "Colorful Realm of Living Beings: A School of Fish".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Colorful Realm of Living Beings: A School of Fish, and when?
- Colorful Realm of Living Beings: A School of Fish is by Ito Jakuchu, made in c. 1766 (Meiwa 3). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Colorful Realm of Living Beings: A School of Fish?
- It is held by The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
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