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: 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: "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: "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: "Teahouse at Night" is a captivating artwork created by the Japanese artist Tsuchiya Koitsu. The painting depicts a serene scene of a traditional Japanese teahouse nestled amidst a picturesque landscape. The teahouse is illuminated by the soft, warm glow of lanterns, casting a dreamlike ambiance over the entire composition. The surrounding landscape is shrouded in a misty veil, adding to the ethereal atmosphere of the piece. The teahouse is depicted in a state of tranquil repose, with not a soul in sight. It exudes a sense of secluded serenity, as if it were a sanctuary for contemplation and reflection. The intricate details of the teahouse, such as the tiled roof and the wooden beams, are rendered with a masterful touch, imbuing the piece with a sense of authenticity. The use of subdued colors in the painting, such as shades of blue and grey, contribute to the nocturnal mood of the piece. The lanterns, however, stand out as a vibrant orange-red, casting a warm and inviting contrast against the cool hues of the night sky. Overall, "Teahouse at Night" is a spellbinding artwork that evokes a sense of contemplative solitude and peaceful seclusion, making the viewer feel as if they are transported to a world of tranquility and serenity.
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:"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: The Shore of Tago Bay, Ejiri at Tokaido is an illustration by the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. The print depicts a picturesque view of the shoreline of Tago Bay, located in the Ejiri area of the Tokaido Road. The Tokaido Road was an ancient and crucial route that linked the cities of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto, and it was a popular subject for Hokusai's work. The print showcases the serene and idyllic scenery of Tago Bay, with gentle waves lapping at the shore and verdant greenery lining the coast. The scenery is punctuated by a small fishing village, with traditional thatched-roof houses and boats dotting the landscape. The colors used in the print are rich and vibrant, lending an air of tranquil beauty to the scene. The Shore of Tago Bay, Ejiri at Tokaido, is a masterful representation of the natural splendor and rustic charm of the region, and it is a quintessential example of Hokusai's artistry and virtuosity.
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: 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: The painting "Mount Fuji from Lake Yamanaka" by Hiroaki Takahashi is a woodblock print in the shin-hanga style. It depicts a view of Mount Fuji from Lake Yamanaka, a popular tourist destination in Japan. The painting is dominated by the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji, which is rendered in shades of blue and white. The lake is rendered in shades of green and blue, and the foreground is filled with trees and bushes. The painting is characterized by its use of bold colors and simple lines. It is a beautiful and serene depiction of one of Japan's most iconic landmarks.
Curator's notes: The print Nenokuchi Lake Towada by Kawase Hasui is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Kawase Hasui. The lake is calm and peaceful, and the sky is a beautiful orange. The print is dominated by the lake, which takes up most of the space. The water is rendered in shades of blue and green, and it reflects the setting sun in a fiery glow. The tree branch is in the foreground, and it provides a sense of scale to the print. The print is a beautiful and serene depiction of nature, and it captures the beauty of Lake Towada at sunset.
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: Gozanoishi Shrine at Lake Tazawa is a print created by the Japanese artist Kawase Hasui. It depicts the Gozanoishi Shrine, which is located near the shores of Lake Tazawa in the Akita prefecture of Japan. The print features a beautiful view of the lake, with the shrine in the foreground and a group of people on the shoreline. The colors and composition of the print are typical of Hasui's style, with a focus on the natural beauty of the landscape and the peaceful atmosphere of the scene. This print is considered a classic example of Hasui's work and is highly sought after by collectors.
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.