Art History

  Edo People, Iyoba Pendant Mask, 16th c., Ivory, Iron, Copper     This Ivory mask depicts the Queen Mother of Benin, Idia. Idia is known for using her brilliance to secure her son's position on the throne of Benin. She is described to be steely and ruthless but truly wants what is best for the future of the kingdom. This mask was created to honor her, and despite the name, this mask was not worn on the face and rather was an adornment that would be worn on the hip. It is a work that honors the Queen Mother's power and brilliance that allowed for her own personal gain and also the set up for a strategic alliance.     This mask is a testament to the Queen Mother's power during this point in time in Africa. The fact that such expensive materials were used shows that this woman was a person of significant importance to the History of Benin- and it lines up with the story of Benin at the time. The knots on her head are of Portugese men and mudfish. The mudfish repre...

      In both pieces below, they are meant to be telling stories from their respective cultures. However, each takes a different approach in how they tell the story through the composition and how they reflect the stories behind the artwork, which is what I will be comparing. Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III),  Visiting Komachi (Kayoi Komachi)  , from the series  Modern Beauties as the Seven Komachi (Tōsei Bijin Nana Komachi)  , c.  1821-22, published by Kawaguchiya Uhei (Fukusendō), woodblock print: ink and color on paper, 36.5 x 25.5 cm      This Ukiyo-e piece by famous Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kunisada depicts an illustration of a woman visiting Poetess Komachi's carriage. The significance of this carriage is that it once belonged to poetess Komachi, and it has a connection to a man who loved her. A general of the time wanted Komachi's hand, and in order to prove his dedication to her, he had to spend 100 nights with her. The Gener...