Not currently on view
In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of August 2026
FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG
These elegant surimono prints come from a set of five images inspired by the legend of the Shinto Supreme Sun Goddess, Amaterasu. She was once so offended by her brother that she retreated to a cave, leaving the earth in darkness. Several attempts to lure her out with cocks crowing, music-making, and a goddess dancing failed, but a mirror hung from a nearby tree made Amaterasu curious, bringing her to the entrance of the cave. A stone was quickly placed at the entrance to block her way back into the cave, and light was restored to the world. Each print is set against a blue evening sky with embossed clouds enriched with gold, silver, and copper.
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Utagawa Kunisada (Japanese, 1786–1865) — Musashibo Benkei Kn
Utagawa Sadamasu (Japanese) — Nakamura Utaemon IV as Ono Sad
Totoya Hokkei
Kubo Shunman
Utagawa Toyokuni II
Totoya Hokkei
Kubo Shunman
Yashima Gakutei — 孫悟空|The Monkey King Songokū, from the Chin
Gigadō Ashiyuki (Japanese, active 1813–34) — Ichikawa Ebijur
Yashima Gakutei
Katsukawa Shunkō
Gigadō Ashiyuki (Japanese, active 1813–34) — Arashi Rikan II
