Curator's notes:"After Washing Her Hair" is a painting by the Japanese artist Itō Shinsui. The painting depicts a young woman with long, flowing hair, sitting in front of a mirror and combing her hair. The woman is dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, and the background is a simple, minimalistic setting. The painting is known for its delicate and detailed portrayal of the woman's hair, as well as its use of soft, muted colors. It is considered a masterpiece of Japanese art and is considered one of Itō Shinsui's most iconic works.
Curator's notes: Araki Street in Yotsuya is a street depicted in a painting by the Japanese artist Tsuchiya Koitsu. The painting is a landscape scene of the street, with traditional Japanese buildings and trees lining the street. Yotsuya is a neighborhood in Tokyo, known for its historical significance and traditional architecture. The painting captures the beauty and serenity of the area, and is a popular piece among collectors of Japanese art.
Curator's notes: Asakusa Rice Fields and Festival of Torinomachi is a woodblock print created by the famous Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige. The print is part of his series "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" and depicts the Asakusa district of Edo (now Tokyo) during the Torinomachi festival. The festival is held annually to celebrate the harvest of the rice fields in Asakusa and is a major event in the area. The print shows the lush green rice fields with people in traditional dress celebrating and participating in the festival. It also features the famous Asakusa Temple in the background. The print is considered a masterpiece of Hiroshige's work and is an important representation of Edo-era culture and tradition.
Curator's notes: Awa Province Naruto Rapids is a woodblock print created by the Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige. The print is part of his series "Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces," which depicts various landscapes and landmarks throughout Japan. The print depicts the Naruto Rapids, a narrow channel of water located in the Awa Province (now known as Tokushima Prefecture) on the island of Shikoku. The rapids are known for their strong currents and were often used as a test of skill for boatmen. The print shows a boat navigating the rapids, with the rocky cliffs and lush vegetation of the surrounding area in the background. Utagawa Hiroshige was known for his detailed and accurate depictions of landscapes and this print is considered one of his masterpieces.
Curator's notes: Cherry Blossoms and Castle is a painting created by the Japanese artist Ito Yuhan. The painting depicts a scene of cherry blossoms in bloom surrounding a castle, likely set in Japan. The artwork is likely created in traditional Japanese style and it is known for its use of vibrant colors and delicate brushstrokes. It is considered as a masterpiece of art in Japan and it is a symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage.
Curator's notes: De Zensetsu Temple in Sanshu is a print created by Japanese artist Hasui Kawase in the early 20th century. The print depicts a view of the De Zensetsu Temple, located in the city of Sanshu, in the Gifu prefecture of Japan. The temple is set in a mountainous landscape, with a small stream running through the foreground. The print captures the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the temple and its surroundings, with a focus on the natural beauty of the area. Hasui Kawase was known for his landscape prints, which often depicted traditional Japanese scenes and architecture.
Curator's notes: "Departing Spring" is a print by the renowned Japanese artist Kawase Hasui, depicting a lady during the spring season, as she is bidding farewell to the beauty of the blooming flowers. The print is characterized by its delicate and ethereal composition, featuring the lady standing on a bridge over a gentle stream, surrounded by lush greenery and cherry blossom trees. The lady is dressed in a traditional kimono, with a serene expression on her face, as if contemplating the fleeting nature of spring. The print is an embodiment of Hasui's masterful use of light and shadow, creating an ambiance of melancholic nostalgia. The pastel colors and soft brushstrokes imbue the print with a sense of wistfulness, as if the lady is bidding adieu to the spring's fleeting beauty, knowing that it will soon be replaced by the scorching summer heat. Hasui's print is a true ode to the transience of life, evoking a sense of bittersweet longing and a melancholic appreciation of the fleeting beauty of nature. It is a visual masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of spring, in all its ephemeral glory.
Curator's notes: Dojoji is a Japanese Noh play that tells the story of a young woman named Kiyo-hime who is transformed into a serpent by a jealous priest named Anchin, after he is spurned by her. The play is based on a traditional Japanese legend, and it was written by the playwright Kōgyō Tsukioka in the 14th century. In the play, Anchin pursues Kiyo-hime relentlessly, even after she is transformed into a serpent, and the climax of the play takes place at the Dojoji Temple, where Kiyo-hime ultimately manages to escape from Anchin's clutches and is freed from her serpentine form. The play is known for its powerful performances, particularly the role of Kiyo-hime, which requires a female performer to don a serpentine costume that is said to weigh over 100 pounds.
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: Eagle on the lookout for prey by Ohara Koson is a print by the Japanese artist Ohara Koson (also known as Shoson Ohara) depicting an eagle perched on a tree branch, scanning the ground below for potential prey. The eagle is depicted in fine detail, with its feathers and talons rendered in intricate lines and shading. The tree branch is also depicted in great detail, with individual leaves and bark texture visible. The overall composition of the print is balanced and dynamic, with the eagle's gaze and posture conveying a sense of focus and movement. The print captures the natural beauty and power of the eagle, and is a fine example of Ohara Koson's skill as an artist.
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: "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: Fine Wind, Clear Morning (also known as Red Fuji) is a woodblock print created by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai in 1831. It is considered one of his most iconic works and is part of his series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. The print features a striking depiction of Mount Fuji set against a clear blue sky, with a red sunrise in the background. The print is known for its bold colors and dynamic composition, which captures the majesty and beauty of Mount Fuji in a powerful and evocative way. It is considered a masterpiece of Japanese art and is widely considered one of the greatest works of Hokusai's career.
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: Fūkeiga is a type of Japanese landscape painting that was popular during the Edo period (1603-1868). The term Fūkeiga, which translates to "wind and moon landscapes," refers to paintings that depict natural landscapes with an emphasis on the effects of wind and moonlight on the scene. The artist Andō, Hiroshige was one of the most renowned practitioners of Fūkeiga during his time and is best known for his series "Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road," which features a variety of landscapes along the Tōkaidō road that connects Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). These paintings are considered some of the greatest examples of Fūkeiga and have had a significant influence on Japanese art and culture.