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Seiobo (Queen Mother of the West) and tortoise, from an untitled hexaptych depicting a...c. 1825. Creator: Shinsai
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Seiobo (Queen Mother of the West) and tortoise, from an untitled hexaptych depicting a...c. 1825. Creator: Shinsai
Seiobo (Queen Mother of the West) and tortoise, from an untitled hexaptych depicting a pair of folding screens, c. 1825
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Media ID 36206033
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Attendant Cartouche Daoism Daoist Folding Screen Hanji Hanjiro Hsi Wang Mu Immortal Immortality Island Manno Masayuki Mother Goddess Reptile Reptiles Ryukaen Ryuryukyo Ryuryukyo Shinsai Screen Shikishi Ban Shikishiban Shinsai Shinsai Ryuryukyo Taoism Taoist Tortoise Wave Waves
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This woodblock print, created by the renowned Japanese artist Shinsai in the early 19th century, showcases a striking image of Seiobo, the Queen Mother of the West, and a tortoise. Seiobo, also known as Hsi Wang Mu or the Mother Goddess of the Western Land, is a central figure in Daoist and Chinese mythology, believed to be the ruler of the immortals and the embodiment of fertility and nurturing. The tortoise, a symbol of longevity and wisdom in East Asian cultures, is often depicted as her attendant or companion. In this exquisite print, Seiobo is depicted in a regal pose, dressed in elegant robes and adorned with jewels, while the tortoise sits calmly at her side. The scene is set against a backdrop of rolling waves and mountains, suggesting a serene and otherworldly landscape. The print is part of a hexaptych, a set of six folding screens, and is known as a surimono, a type of Japanese art print produced for private circulation among the elite. The intricate design is achieved through the meticulous process of color woodblock printing on hanji, or traditional Japanese paper. The vibrant green color of Seiobo's robes and the tortoise's shell contrast beautifully with the muted tones of the background, creating a visually stunning and harmonious composition. This rare and precious work of art, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japan and the enduring influence of Daoist and Chinese mythology on its artistic traditions.
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