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Tale of the Tongue-cut Sparrow, 1892. Creator: Kawanabe Kyosai
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Tale of the Tongue-cut Sparrow, 1892. Creator: Kawanabe Kyosai
Tale of the Tongue-cut Sparrow, 1892
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Media ID 36357303
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Cliff Cliffs Details Fable Folk Story Folk Tale Greed Kawanabe Gyosai Kawanabe Kyosai Kind Kindness Kyosai Kawanabe Meiji Era Meiji Period Passerine Round Songbird Sparrow Sparrows Triptych Wives Woodcutter Woodhewer Woodman Woodsman Colour Woodblock Print Description Inset Letterbox Format
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Tale of the Tongue-cut Sparrow," a captivating woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Kawanabe Kyosai, dates back to the Meiji Era of the late 19th century. This masterpiece, now a cherished part of the collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), showcases three panels in a triptych format, each telling a fragment of a famous Japanese folk tale. The central panel presents the titular scene: a man, with a smug expression, holding a sparrow with its tongue cut out. The inset below reveals the reason for his cruel act - his greed for the bird's supposedly delicious tongue. The left panel depicts the sparrow's husband, a fellow songbird, mourning the loss of his wife. The right panel shows the wife, transformed into a beautiful woman, who appears to the man in his dreams, urging him to repent for his cruelty. The print's circular composition, reminiscent of a panoramic view, draws the viewer in, inviting them to explore the intricate details of the rural scene. The triptych format adds a sense of depth and narrative, while the use of vibrant colors and bold lines adds to the print's visual appeal. This artwork, a prime example of ukiyo-e (floating world) art, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Japan. The tale of the tongue-cut sparrow serves as a reminder of the consequences of greed and the power of kindness and forgiveness. The print's rustic setting, with its cliffs, mountains, and rural life, further emphasizes the importance of appreciating the simple pleasures of nature and the people in our lives. With its intriguing storyline and stunning visuals, Tale of the Tongue-cut Sparrow remains a beloved work of art, not just in Japan but also in the global art community.
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