Gathering of the Jewels (Tama hiroi)

This beautiful set of two woodblock printed books, titled "Gathering of the Jewels (Tama hiroi)," was created by Kawabata Gyokushō in 1861. Gyokushō was a significant artist associated with the Maruyama school, known for its naturalistic style and attention to detail. While many of his later works in the Met's collection, like "Plum Blossoms under the Moon at Dawn" and various album leaves featuring animals and landscapes, showcase his mastery of ink and color on silk, this earlier piece demonstrates his skill in the woodblock medium. At just 19 years old when he created this work, Gyokushō was already producing intricate and visually rich compositions. The title suggests a theme of collecting precious items, which often carried symbolic weight in Japanese art and literature. This early example offers a glimpse into the foundational techniques and thematic interests that would evolve throughout his prolific career, bridging traditional Japanese painting with the popular art of woodblock printing.