Ghat in Varanasi (Benares)

Maker(s)
Artist: Yoshida Hiroshi 吉田博 (1876-1950)
Historical period(s)
Showa era, 1931
Medium
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 27.8 x 40.3 cm (10 15/16 x 15 7/8 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Gift of H. Ed Robison in memory of Katherine W. Robison
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1996.7
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
bathing, Japan, Showa era (1926 - 1989), WWII-era provenance
Provenance

To 1996
Henry Edwin Robison (1913-2008), Palo Alto, CA, to 1996

From 1996
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, given by Henry Edwin Robison in 1996

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Henry Edwin Robison 1913-2008

Label

The ancient city of Varanasi or Benaras (Benares) on the banks of the Ganges River was from ancient times a center of religion and learning as well as an important pilgrimage site sacred to Hindus.  Buddhist pilgrims pass through Varanasi en route to nearby Sarnath, the scene of the historical Buddha's first teachings in the fith and sixth centuries B.C.E.  Yoshida's print focuses on the activities along the river where the water reflects the colorful clothing of the people gathered there and the shadows of the buildings at the top of the stairs.  Pilgrims descend the ghats, steps built along the riverbank, to bathe in the sacred waters.  Women also use the area to lay out laundered saris to dry.

Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Whistler's Neighborhood
Google Cultural Institute
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