Curator's notes: The Inume Pass is a location in Kai Province, Japan that is depicted in a print by the famous Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. It is a mountainous pass that is known for its steep incline and winding road. The print, which is part of Hokusai's series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," shows a group of travelers making their way through the pass with Mount Fuji looming in the background. The Inume Pass is considered to be one of the most difficult and treacherous routes in the province, and the print captures the sense of danger and awe that one might feel while traversing it.
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.
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.
Curator's notes: "Poem by Empress Jito" is a masterpiece print by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi, depicting a majestic and ethereal portrait of the Empress Jito. The print is an ode to the empress's poise and beauty, with a backdrop of a serene landscape, adorned with cherry blossoms and a picturesque waterfall. The Empress Jito is depicted in a regal stance, holding a scroll with her poem inscribed, exuding an aura of serenity and refinement. The print is a fusion of artistry and poetry, with the Empress's verse adorning the top of the print, adding an extra layer of depth and meaning to the image. The poem, written in elegant calligraphy, is a testament to the Empress's literary talents and serves as a visual representation of her refined taste. The use of color in the print is striking, with the Empress's clothing and the cherry blossoms in the background, painted in rich and vibrant hues, creating a visual feast for the eyes. The overall composition of the print is harmonious, with the different elements coming together to create a serene and idyllic scene. In conclusion, "Poem by Empress Jito" is a stunning and evocative print that showcases Utagawa Kuniyoshi's artistry, while also paying tribute to the literary talents and refined taste of the Empress Jito. It is a visual ode to the beauty and serenity of nature, and a celebration of the Empress's poise and elegance.
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.