Curator's notes: "The Village of the Shi Clan on a Moonlit Night" is a captivating print created by the renowned Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. The print depicts a tattooed man, adorned with intricate and bold designs, standing in the center of a village. The village is bathed in the pale light of the full moon, casting a ethereal glow over the scene. The tattooed man stands out as the focal point, with his bold tattoos serving as a striking contrast to the serene and peaceful village. The print is teeming with visual interest, from the intricate details of the tattoos to the soft, misty atmosphere of the moonlit night. It is a fantastic example of Yoshitoshi's ability to blend traditional Japanese art with a modern sensibility.
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: 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: "Tiger Cleaning Its Paw" is a mesmerizing artwork by the accomplished Japanese artist Matsui Keichu, that depicts a majestic tiger in its natural habitat, meticulously grooming its paw. The tiger is depicted in a state of repose, with its paw held up to its face as it carefully licks and cleans each individual claw. The artwork is a masterful display of Keichu's technical virtuosity and his ability to imbue his subjects with a sense of lifelike movement and vitality. The tiger's powerful muscles and sinewy form are rendered with a masterful finesse, and the creature's fur is rendered with a photorealistic attention to detail, giving the piece a sense of verisimilitude that is truly captivating. The piece is a testament to Keichu's unparalleled skill and artistry, and is a must-see for any connoisseur of Japanese art. Its ability to transport the viewer to a different realm and make them feel like they are observing the tiger in its natural habitat, is truly uncanny. In summary, "Tiger Cleaning Its Paw" is an extraordinary work of art, a breathtaking visual treat, and a true ode to the beauty and grace of the animal kingdom, created by the masterful hand of Matsui Keichu.
Curator's notes: "The River Banyu In Springtime" is a delightful piece of art painted by Tsuchiya Koitsu, a renowned Japanese artist known for his masterful landscape paintings. The painting depicts the River Banyu in all its verdant splendor as it winds its way through the lush, verdant landscape of springtime. The water is depicted as a shimmering ribbon of azure, meandering through the idyllic countryside, dotted with willow trees and wildflowers. The colors of the painting are particularly striking, with the vibrant hues of springtime blending together to create a harmonious and serene image. The artist has used an array of intricate brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and movement, making the painting come alive. The painting is a true testament to Koitsu's virtuosity and a visual feast for the eyes.
Curator's notes: "Meguro Fudo Temple" is a breath-taking print by the renowned artist Kawase Hasui, depicting the serene and picturesque Meguro Fudo Temple in Tokyo, Japan. The print is an exemplar of Hasui's masterful use of light and shadow, and it captures the tranquil atmosphere of the temple with an ethereal and otherworldly touch. The temple is nestled amidst lush greenery and is bathed in a soft light that casts a warm and inviting glow. The architecture of the temple is intricately detailed and rendered with an almost photographic realism, and the print exudes a sense of serenity and reverence. The print is a true ode to the sublime beauty of the Meguro Fudo Temple and it's a testament to Hasui's exceptional skill as a printmaker.
Curator's notes: "Ryū shōten," also known as "Dragon's Waterfall," is a masterpiece created by the Japanese artist Ogata Gekkō. This stunning work of art showcases a serene waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff, with a dragon coiled around the rock face. The dragon's body seems to blend seamlessly with the water, creating an ethereal and otherworldly effect. Gekkō's use of color and composition in "Ryū shōten" is nothing short of masterful. The deep blues and greens of the water contrast beautifully with the earthy tones of the rocks and the dragon's scales. The composition is carefully balanced, with the dragon's body serving as a counterpoint to the waterfall's movement. The overall effect is one of harmonious coexistence between the natural and the fantastical. "Ryū shōten" is a true tour de force, showcasing Gekkō's virtuosity as an artist and his ability to imbue his work with a sense of mysticism and wonder. It is a testament to his artistic prowess and a feast for the eyes of any onlooker.
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: "Snowy Night" is an ethereal and evocative piece of art crafted by the Japanese artist Ito Shinsui. The painting is an alluring representation of a tranquil and serene winter night, enveloped in a blanket of snow. The viewer is immediately struck by the intricate and delicate brushstrokes that Shinsui has used to create the illusion of falling snowflakes, almost as if they are suspended in the air. The colors used in the painting are muted and subdued, giving the piece a melancholic and contemplative feel. The central figure in the painting is a woman, who is depicted as being lost in her thoughts as she gazes out into the night. She is enveloped in a kimono, which adds to the sense of isolation and introspection. The painting is an opulent and sublime representation of the beauty and tranquility of a snowy night, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who beholds it.
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: Mount Fuji from Lake Sai, Evening is a breathtaking masterpiece of art by Tsuchiya Koitsu, a prominent Japanese painter known for his picturesque landscapes. This particular piece of art, exudes a sense of serenity and tranquility as it depicts the majestic Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, looming in the background. The painting captures the moment of dusk, as the sun sets over the lake, casting a warm and mellow glow over the scene. The lake is placid and serene, reflecting the image of the mountain, creating a perfect mirror image. The colors used in this piece are soft and subdued, creating a feeling of calm and serenity. The painting is a true ode to the natural beauty of Japan, and the artist's ability to capture the essence of the scene is truly remarkable.
Curator's notes: Ushigome Kagurazaka is a captivating painting by the renowned Japanese artist Tsuchiya Koitsu. This work of art showcases the picturesque Ushigome Kagurazaka neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan. The painting is an ethereal and nostalgic representation of this serene neighborhood, with its winding streets and traditional wooden houses adorned with tiled roofs. The painting captures the essence of the bustling yet tranquil atmosphere of the Ushigome Kagurazaka neighborhood. The viewer can almost hear the clatter of wooden geta sandals on the cobblestone streets and the gentle murmur of the locals as they go about their daily lives. The warm hues of the painting exude a sense of nostalgia and longing, evoking a sense of wistfulness for a bygone era. The painting is an ode to the beauty of the traditional Japanese architecture and the quaint charm of the neighborhood. The intricate details of the painting are a testament to Tsuchiya Koitsu's virtuosity as an artist. The painting is a perfect example of his ability to capture the essence of a place and convey it in an enchanting and evocative manner. In short, Ushigome Kagurazaka is a charming and nostalgic representation of a picturesque neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan, painted by the talented artist Tsuchiya Koitsu. The painting exudes a sense of longing for a bygone era and showcases the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture in a captivating and evocative manner.
Curator's notes: The Great Buddha at Kamakura, also known as the Kamakura Daibutsu, is a monumental sculpture that was depicted in a print by the renowned Japanese artist Kawase Hasui. The print captures the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Buddha statue, which stands at an imposing 13 meters in height and is made of bronze. The statue is situated in the city of Kamakura, which is located in the Kanagawa prefecture of Japan. Hasui's print is a masterful representation of the statue's majestic presence, with the Buddha's serene and contemplative expression evoking a sense of tranquility and reverence. The print also showcases the lush foliage that surrounds the statue, adding to its ethereal and idyllic ambiance. The Great Buddha at Kamakura is considered to be one of the most iconic and revered symbols of Japan's rich cultural heritage and is a must-see for any visitor to the country.
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: Nagoya Castle is a majestic fortress located in the city of Nagoya, Japan that was captured in a stunning print by the renowned artist Tsuchiya Koitsu. This opulent structure, constructed in the 17th century, boasts of its grandeur, with its imposing walls and ornate towers, which are resplendent in its beauty. The print by Koitsu, which is a part of his series "The Beauty of Japan," captures the striking symmetry of Nagoya Castle in all its splendor. The print showcases the castle's picturesque moat, which surrounds it and the lush greenery that surrounds it. The intricate details of the castle's architecture are also highlighted in the print, including the striking glaze tiles that adorn its roof and the intricate carvings on its walls. Furthermore, Koitsu's print also captures the serene ambiance of the castle, with the reflections of the castle in the moat, giving a sense of tranquility. It is a masterful representation of the grandeur and serenity of Nagoya Castle, making it a coveted possession for collectors and art enthusiasts alike.