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: "Kuwana: The Story of the Sailor" is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. It depicts a sailor's tragic story about his love for a woman who died in a shipwreck. The print shows the sailor's longing and sorrow as he looks out to sea, remembering his lost love. The print is considered to be a masterpiece of Kuniyoshi's work, known for its powerful emotion and skillful composition.
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: 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: "The Phantom of Kohada Koheiji" is a captivating print by the renowned Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai. This striking piece of art depicts a spooky, spectral figure emerging from the shadows of a dimly-lit room. The enigmatic figure is that of Kohada Koheiji, a man who was rumored to have been murdered by his wife's lover. The print is replete with eerie, otherworldly elements, including the ghostly apparition of Kohada Koheiji himself and the mysterious, dimly lit room that serves as the backdrop. The print is a striking example of Hokusai's masterful use of light and shadow, which imbues the piece with a sense of eeriness and unease. It is a truly phantasmagorical work that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who views it.