Van Gogh and Père Tanguy
Julien François Tanguy, known as “Père Tanguy,” was a paint dealer and patron of many struggling artists in 19th-century Paris. Vincent van Gogh painted his portrait several times, with the most famous version incorporating colorful Japanese ukiyo-e prints in the background.
One of the prints depicted in the background of Van Gogh’s Portrait of Père Tanguy (1887–1888) features an oiran (high-ranking courtesan) wearing an Unryū Ryōtō robe.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Van Gogh and the Oiran of Unryū Ryōtō
Van Gogh was deeply influenced by Japanese art, particularly ukiyo-e. He collected and studied prints by Japanese masters like Hiroshige, Hokusai, and Keisai Eisen. In his Portrait of Père Tanguy, he incorporated an ukiyo-e featuring an oiran wearing an Unryū Ryōtō robe, a luxurious garment embroidered with cloud and dragon motifs.
This reflects Van Gogh’s admiration for the bold colors and flat compositions of Japanese prints, which heavily influenced his later works.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Impressionism and the Oiran of Unryū Ryōtō
Impressionist and post-impressionist artists were fascinated by Japanese art, adopting its vibrant colors and unconventional perspectives. Van Gogh’s inclusion of ukiyo-e in Portrait of Père Tanguy illustrates how Japanese aesthetics were integrated into Western modern art.
The oiran depicted in the ukiyo-e wears an Unryū Ryōtō robe, symbolizing status and sophistication. This fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions showcases the global influence of Japanese prints in the late 19th century.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Oiran of Unryū Ryōtō in Chiba City Museum of Art
The very ukiyo-e print featuring the oiran in Van Gogh’s painting is now part of the collection at Chiba City Museum of Art in Japan. This museum houses an extensive collection of Edo-period artworks, including ukiyo-e prints that inspired many Western artists.
For those interested in Van Gogh’s Japanese influences, a visit to Chiba City Museum of Art offers a chance to see the original ukiyo-e that appeared in Portrait of Père Tanguy.
However, please note that while this ukiyo-e is part of the museum’s collection, it may not always be on display.
Artist: 渓斎 英泉 (Keisai Eisen) [1791-1848]
Title: 雲龍裲襠の花魁 (Courtesan Wearing a Garment with Clouds and Dragon Patterns)
Source: Chiba City Museum
For more details about this artwork, visit the museum’s collection page: Artwork Details
About Chiba City Museum of Art
Chiba City Museum of Art, located in Chiba, Japan, is renowned for its exceptional collection of Japanese prints and paintings, particularly from the Edo period. The museum regularly features exhibitions exploring the historical and cultural impact of these works on modern artists.
For more details about current exhibitions, visiting hours, and admission fees, visit their official website:
How to Get There
From JR Chiba Station (East Exit):
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot.
- Take the Chiba Urban Monorail towards Kencho-mae Station and get off at Yoshikawa Koen Station (葭川公園駅), then walk 5 minutes.
From JR Tokyo Station:
- Take the Sobu Line Rapid Service towards Chiba (総武線快速) – about 42 minutes.
From Keisei Chiba-Chuo Station (East Exit):
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot.
By Bicycle:
- Bicycle parking is available.
- Shared bicycle rental stations are available. From the station in front of JR Chiba Station East Exit, it takes about 6 minutes.
Location
Find Chiba City Museum of Art on Google Maps:
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