Curator's notes: Fuji from Tago Bay by Tsuchiya Koitsu is a Japanese woodblock print depicting Mount Fuji as seen from Tago Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The print was created by the artist Tsuchiya Koitsu in the early 20th century and is considered to be one of his most iconic works. The print features a serene and peaceful scene of Mount Fuji rising above the bay, with boats and fishing nets in the foreground. The colors and composition of the print are considered to be masterful, and it is considered to be a classic example of the Shin Hanga art movement.
Curator's notes: The Great Wave off Kanagawa is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. It is considered one of the most iconic and recognizable works of Japanese art, and is part of the series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji." The print depicts a large wave towering over boats and sailors, with Mount Fuji in the background. The Great Wave is known for its dynamic composition, with the wave itself being the focal point. The wave's shape and the lines used to create it give the impression of movement and power, while the small boats and figures in the foreground provide a sense of scale and vulnerability. The colors used in the print are mostly blue and white, which adds to the sense of depth and movement. The Great Wave off Kanagawa is considered to be one of the most famous and widely reproduced images of Japan and Hokusai's work.
Curator's notes: Mitsukuni Defying the Skeleton Spectre Invoked by Princess Takiyasha is a print created by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. The print depicts a fierce and formidable scene in which the heroic figure of Mitsukuni stands tall and unyielding, confronting a ghastly apparition conjured by the sorceress Princess Takiyasha. The skeleton spectre, with its leering skull and bony fingers, towers over Mitsukuni, its menacing presence evoking feelings of dread and unease. However, Mitsukuni, with his stalwart and resolute demeanor, appears undaunted, defying the spectral entity with a fierce determination. The print captures the moment of confrontation, with Mitsukuni's sword at the ready and the spectre's bony fingers reaching out to grab him. The background is richly detailed, with ominous clouds and a full moon looming overhead, adding to the eerie and ominous atmosphere. The print is a striking example of Kuniyoshi's mastery of the art of ukiyo-e, with its masterful use of line, shadow, and color to create a sense of tension and drama. It is a testament to the artist's ability to imbue his work with a sense of the supernatural and otherworldly, making it a truly captivating and spellbinding piece of art.
Curator's notes: "Two White Cranes" is a print created by Japanese artist Ohara Koson (also known as Shoson). The print features two white cranes, a symbol of longevity and good luck in Japanese culture, standing in a serene natural setting. The print is known for its delicate lines and attention to detail in the birds and their surroundings. Ohara Koson was a prolific artist known for his prints of birds, flowers, and other natural subjects.
Curator's notes: The Sunset Glow in Yanaka by Kawase Hasui is a captivating piece of art that showcases the picturesque beauty of the Yanaka neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan. The print depicts a serene evening scene where the last rays of sunlight are casting a warm and golden radiance over the traditional Japanese houses and the surrounding greenery. The tranquility of the moment is palpable, and the viewer can almost hear the gentle rustling of the leaves and the distant chirping of the crickets. The print is rendered in Hasui's signature style, which is characterized by his attention to detail and his masterful use of light and shadow. The houses are depicted with great accuracy and the colors are rich and vibrant. The overall composition is harmonious and balanced, making the print a true feast for the eyes. In terms of unusual words, Hasui's print can be described as an "enigmatic masterpiece" that exudes an "ethereal ambiance" and captures the "transitory nature" of the sunset. It is a "visually sumptuous" work of art that evokes a sense of "nostalgia" and "serenity."
Curator's notes: Ten Views of Fuji, by Yoshida Mura, is a collection of woodblock prints that depicts the iconic mountain in a variety of different settings and seasons. Each print showcases the majestic peaks of Mount Fuji in a unique and evocative way, capturing the grandeur and splendor of the mountain in all its glory. The prints are characterized by their intricate details, rich colors, and masterful use of perspective, which imbue each image with a sense of depth and movement. The series is widely considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese art, and it is an enduring testament to the skill and artistic virtuosity of Yoshida Mura. The series is an excellent example of the sublime beauty and wonder of nature, that is often overlooked in our daily lives.
Curator's notes: Sudden Shower over Shin-Ohashi Bridge and Atake is a magnificent print by the renowned Japanese artist, Utagawa Hiroshige. The print is a part of his series "Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces," which depicts various landscapes and scenes from around Japan. This particular print showcases a picturesque scene of a sudden downpour over the Shin-Ohashi Bridge and the village of Atake. The bridge, with its delicate arches and sturdy pillars, is gracefully traversed by a lone traveler, who seems unfazed by the deluge. The village of Atake, with its thatched roofs and traditional houses, is nestled amidst lush greenery and the rain enhances the verdure and the greys of the houses. The print is a visual feast for the eyes, with its masterful use of light and shadow, and the intricate details of the scene. It's an epitome of Hiroshige's ability to capture the fleeting beauty of nature in his art.
Curator's notes: The Kawasaki Tsurumi River and Namamugi Village artwork by Hiroshige is a true feast for the eyes. This stunning creation features a captivating composition that is simply mesmerizing. The intricate details and vivid color palette are truly exceptional, capturing the essence of this tranquil river and quaint village in a truly unique way. As you gaze upon the piece, you'll notice the lush greenery that lines the river banks, giving way to a serene body of water that winds its way through the landscape. In the distance, you'll see the Namamugi Village, with its traditional wooden houses and intricate rooflines. The buildings seem to nestle amidst the rolling hills and lush trees, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. What makes this artwork so exceptional is the use of texture and line. The artist has masterfully combined thick, flowing lines with delicate brushstrokes, creating a sense of depth and movement that is truly captivating. The use of vibrant hues adds a pop of color to the scene, bringing it to life in a way that is simply unforgettable. Overall, the Kawasaki Tsurumi River and Namamugi Village by Hiroshige is a masterful work of art that truly captures the beauty and serenity of this idyllic location. Whether you're an art aficionado or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, this piece is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Curator's notes: "Evening in a Hot Spring" is a painting by the Japanese artist Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950). The painting depicts a tranquil evening scene at a hot spring, with several people relaxing in the warm waters and enjoying the natural surroundings. The painting is notable for its use of vibrant colors and detailed brushwork, which convey a sense of serenity and peacefulness. It is considered a classic example of Yoshida's work and is widely admired for its skillful representation of the natural world.
Curator's notes: Teahouse at Koishikawa the morning after a snowfall is an illustrious print created by the incomparable Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai. The print depicts a picturesque teahouse nestled in the heart of Koishikawa, a neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan. The teahouse is surrounded by a serene landscape blanketed in a freshly fallen blanket of snow. The intricate details of the print are breathtaking, with the snowflakes delicately rendered, and the teahouse's architecture expertly captured. The print exudes a sense of tranquility and serenity, with the morning light casting a soft glow over the scene. One can almost hear the gentle rustle of the snow and the soothing sound of a steaming teapot. This print is a true masterpiece that showcases Hokusai's virtuosity and his ability to imbue his work with a sense of serene beauty.
Curator's notes: "Roaring Tiger" is a mesmerizing piece of art created by the renowned Japanese artist Ohara Koson. The print showcases the fierceness and might of a tiger as it lets out a deafening roar. The tiger, with its powerful muscles and striking stripes, is depicted in a dynamic stance, ready to pounce on its prey. The background is left empty, allowing the tiger to take center stage and fully capture the viewer's attention. The use of bold lines and contrasting colors gives the piece a sense of movement and energy, making it appear as if the tiger is about to leap off the page. The intricate details in the fur and eyes add a sense of realism to the piece, making it a truly captivating masterpiece.
Curator's notes: "Evening Moon at Kobe" is a painting by Japanese artist Hashiguchi Goyo. It depicts a view of the city of Kobe, Japan at dusk, with the moon rising over the city's buildings and ships in the harbor. The painting is considered one of Hashiguchi's most iconic works and is known for its evocative use of light and shadow to capture the mood of the city at night. It is currently housed in the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, Japan.
Curator's notes: Spring in Mount Atago is a captivating print by the renowned Japanese artist Hasui Kawase. It showcases the idyllic beauty of the Mount Atago area, located in the Kansai region of Japan, during the springtime. The print is a visual symphony of verdant hues, as the verdant greenery of the mountain's lush foliage is set against the azure sky. The intricate details of the trees and the gentle flow of the stream that winds its way through the scene are rendered with an almost photographic realism. The print is a masterful evocation of the serene and peaceful atmosphere of a spring day in the mountains, and it is sure to elicit a sense of tranquility and wonder in the viewer.
Curator's notes: "Eagle under Snow" is a print created by the Japanese artist Ohara Koson (also known as Shoson Ohara) in the early 20th century. The print features an eagle perched on a branch, with snow covering the bird and the surrounding landscape. Koson was known for his skillful depictions of birds and animals in traditional Japanese style, and this print is a prime example of his work. It is considered a valuable and sought-after piece by collectors of Japanese art.
Curator's notes: Woman Combing her Hair by Hashiguchi Goyo is an iconic piece of art that is well-known for its intricate and detailed depiction of a woman in the midst of a mundane yet intimate moment. The piece is a woodblock print that showcases the woman's delicate features, including her long, slender fingers as she delicately combs her hair. The print is striking for its attention to detail, capturing the woman's hair with delicate brushstrokes and skillful use of light and shadow. This work of art is also known for its melancholic aura, it showcases the woman's contemplative expression and the sense of solitude that surrounds her. It's an ethereal masterpiece that showcases the artist's virtuosity and his ability to imbue a sense of nostalgia in the viewer.