Curator's notes: Hawk is a print or painting depicting a hawk, a bird of prey. It is created by the Japanese artist Ohara Koson (Shoson), who was known for his woodblock prints of birds and animals. The print features the hawk in a dramatic and powerful pose, with intricate details and bold colors. It is a beautiful representation of the bird and its natural habitat.
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.
Curator's notes: Leaping Carp by Ohara Koson is a Japanese woodblock print created by the artist Ohara Koson (1877-1945). The print depicts a large carp jumping out of the water, with its body and fins depicted in bold, fluid lines. The print is known for its dynamic composition and use of vibrant colors, which convey the movement and energy of the leaping carp. It is considered a classic example of the ukiyo-e style of Japanese art, which focused on depicting the beauty and pleasure of everyday life.
Curator's notes: The Pond at Benten Shrine in Shiba, is a serene and picturesque print created by the renowned Japanese artist Kawase Hasui. The print depicts a tranquil pond located within the grounds of the Benten Shrine in Shiba, a neighborhood in Tokyo. The pond is surrounded by lush greenery, with a bridge spanning across the water, leading to a small island in the center of the pond, adorned with a statue of Benten, the goddess of music, poetry and education. The water is calm and still, reflecting the surrounding trees and the shrine's architecture in its surface. The print exudes a sense of tranquility and peacefulness, with the use of soft colors and delicate brushstrokes, making it a true masterpiece of the shin-hanga movement.
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: Takamatsu Castle Sanuki, illustrated by the acclaimed artist Kawase Hasui, is a stunning print that depicts the grandeur of the historic castle located in the province of Sanuki, Japan. The print showcases the imposing fortress, with its towering walls and formidable gates, nestled amidst a picturesque landscape of lush greenery and tranquil waters. Hasui masterfully captures the intricate details of the castle's architecture, with its intricate carvings and imposing towers, as well as the serene beauty of the surrounding environment. The print is a testament to the artist's skill in depicting the grandeur and splendor of historical landmarks, and is a true feast for the eyes, evoking a sense of wonder and reverence in the viewer.
Curator's notes: "Tits on Cherry Branch" is a visually striking and alluring artwork by the renowned Japanese artist Ohara Koson. It is an intricate and detailed print that captures the beauty and delicacy of nature, specifically the interplay between birds and cherry blossoms. The piece depicts a pair of titmice perched atop a branch of cherry blossoms, their plumage rendered in intricate lines and shading. The birds appear to be in a state of blissful repose, their delicate bodies and fluffy feathers contrasting with the stark simplicity of the branch. The cherry blossoms, meanwhile, are rendered in a riot of pink and white, their petals unfurling in a profusion of delicate beauty. The overall effect is one of serenity and tranquility, a moment of natural splendor frozen in time.
Curator's notes: "Minowa, Kanasugi and Mikawashima" is a work of art created by the renowned Japanese artist, Andō Hiroshige. It is a woodblock print that showcases a picturesque landscape of three different locations in Japan. The print is a part of the "Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces" series. Minowa is a small village situated in the midst of lush greenery, with a winding river that flows through the village. The village is depicted as a peaceful haven with a serene ambiance. Kanasugi, on the other hand, is a scenic spot that boasts of a picturesque bridge that spans across a tranquil body of water. The bridge is intricately designed and adds an element of grandeur to the overall view. Mikawashima, the third location, is a hamlet surrounded by verdant hills and tranquil ponds. The hamlet is depicted as a haven of tranquility, with a serene ambiance that is truly mesmerizing. The print is a masterpiece of art that encapsulates the idyllic beauty of rural Japan. The use of vibrant colors and intricate details is truly breathtaking, making it a true gem for art connoisseurs and collectors alike. The print is a visual treat for those who appreciate the ethereal charm of the Japanese countryside. In a nutshell, "Minowa, Kanasugi, and Mikawashima" is a woodblock print that showcases three different locations in Japan, each of which is depicted as a haven of tranquility and idyllic beauty. The print is a masterpiece of art that captures the ethereal charm of the Japanese countryside, making it a true gem for art connoisseurs and collectors alike.
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: Miyajima in de mist is a captivating piece of art that was created by the renowned Japanese artist Kawase Hasui. The print depicts the mystical island of Miyajima, which is located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. The island is known for its picturesque views and its famous floating torii gate, which is a traditional Japanese gate that marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine. In this print, the island is shrouded in a veil of mist, giving it an ethereal and otherworldly appearance. The mist creates a sense of mystique and intrigue, making the island seem like a place of ancient and sacred beauty. The colors used in the print are soft and muted, adding to the dreamlike atmosphere. The print is a masterful example of the shin-hanga style, which is a type of Japanese printmaking that combines traditional Japanese art with modern techniques. Hasui's use of light and shadow, as well as his attention to detail, are truly mesmerizing. Overall, Miyajima in de mist is a mesmerizing work of art that captures the beauty and mysticism of this sacred island in Japan. It is a true testament to Hasui's skill as an artist and his ability to create works that are both evocative and enchanting.
Curator's notes: "Geese At Full Moon" is a print created by the Japanese artist Ohara Koson (also known as Shoson Ohara). The print depicts a flock of geese flying in front of a full moon. The image is typically characterized by its use of intricate lines and detailed shading, which give the geese a sense of movement and realism. The print is considered a classic example of the shin-hanga (new print) style of Japanese art, which emerged in the early 20th century and featured a mix of traditional Japanese elements with modern Western techniques. The print is highly sought after by collectors and is considered a masterpiece of Ohara Koson's work.
Curator's notes: Lake Ashi in the Hakone Hills is a picturesque and serene body of water located in the Hakone region of Japan. The lake is surrounded by lush, verdant hills, and is often depicted in art as a place of natural beauty and tranquility. One such depiction is a print by the famous Japanese artist Tsuchiya Koitsu, entitled "Lake Ashi in the Hakone Hills in Early Autumn." The print captures the idyllic and ethereal ambiance of the lake during the autumn season. The water is depicted as a tranquil expanse of serenity, with the autumnal hues of the surrounding hills providing a striking contrast. The image is a feast for the eyes, with the intricate details of the trees and the reflections on the water, as well as the use of vibrant colors, creating a harmonious and evocative scene. It is a true masterpiece that showcases the artist's virtuosity in capturing the essence of the lake in the most picturesque time of the year.
Curator's notes: "The Sea off Satta in Suruga Province" is a breathtaking print created by the renowned artist Utagawa Hiroshige I. It depicts a stunning seascape of the Satta coastline located in the Suruga Province of Japan. The print showcases the tumultuous waves of the ocean, with their frothy crests and deep troughs, as they crash against the rocky shoreline. The sky above is painted in a riot of colors, with hues of orange and pink blending seamlessly with the deep blue of the sea. The sun hangs low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the entire scene, imbuing it with a sense of serenity and tranquility. The print is a masterful representation of the beauty and power of nature, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who behold it.
Curator's notes: Mountain Moon After Rain is a breathtaking artwork by the renowned artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. It showcases the grandeur of nature in all its glory, depicting a mountainous landscape bathed in the soft and ethereal light of a full moon. The painting is an ode to the beauty and serenity of the natural world, and it is an example of Yoshitoshi's masterful ability to capture the essence of a scene with his brushstrokes. The work is a perfect example of Yoshitoshi's keen eye for detail and his ability to create an atmosphere of tranquility. The mountains are rendered with a sense of grandeur and majesty, and the full moon casts a gentle, dreamy light over the entire scene. The rain-drenched landscape is suffused with a sense of misty, ethereal beauty, and the viewer can almost feel the cool, refreshing breeze blowing through the trees. One of the striking elements of the painting is the way the artist has used light and shadows to create a sense of depth and movement. The moonlight dances across the mountains, illuminating the peaks and valleys in a soft, silvery glow. The shadows are deep and mysterious, adding to the sense of depth and realism. The overall effect is one of wonder and awe, as if the viewer is experiencing the scene firsthand. In conclusion, Mountain Moon After Rain is a masterful piece of art that showcases the raw beauty of nature and the artist's ability to capture its essence with his unique style. It is an artwork that will leave you in a state of pure enchantment and wonder, and it is a testament to Yoshitoshi's extraordinary artistic abilities.
Curator's notes: "Moonlight Patrol" is a spectacular print created by the renowned Japanese artist, Yoshitoshi. It is an ethereal and captivating piece that showcases the enigmatic beauty of the night. The print depicts a samurai, who is on a nocturnal vigil, their shadows cast upon the moonlit terrain. Their faces are obscured, lending an air of mystery to the scene. The samurai are depicted as vigilant protectors, their sharp eyes scanning the surrounding for any potential danger. The use of light and shadow in the print creates a sense of unease and foreboding, as if something sinister lurks just beyond the frame. The intricate details and the use of striking colors in the print make it a masterpiece of art.