Title: Colors of the Triple Dawn

Description

Saishiki mitsu no asa (Colors of the triple dawn) was designed as a folding picture book consisting of seven color prints by the famous artist of ukiyo-e, Torii Kiyonaga (1752–1815), considered by many to be the finest master of the style. The work was published in 1787. Born in Edo (present-day Tokyo), Kiyonaga studied under the Torii master, Kiyomitsu. Kiyonaga’s prodigious output included many illustrated books and individual prints and series. Mitsu no asa, literally translated as “the three mornings,” means the morning of New Year’s Day: the first day of the first month of the new year, when every thing starts over at the same time. Hence this day traditionally has been celebrated by people over the country.

Last updated: November 7, 2011