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: 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: "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: Teahouse at Koishikawa the morning after a snowfall is an illustrious print created by the incomparable Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai. The print depicts a picturesque teahouse nestled in the heart of Koishikawa, a neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan. The teahouse is surrounded by a serene landscape blanketed in a freshly fallen blanket of snow. The intricate details of the print are breathtaking, with the snowflakes delicately rendered, and the teahouse's architecture expertly captured. The print exudes a sense of tranquility and serenity, with the morning light casting a soft glow over the scene. One can almost hear the gentle rustle of the snow and the soothing sound of a steaming teapot. This print is a true masterpiece that showcases Hokusai's virtuosity and his ability to imbue his work with a sense of serene beauty.
Curator's notes: Woman Combing her Hair by Hashiguchi Goyo is an iconic piece of art that is well-known for its intricate and detailed depiction of a woman in the midst of a mundane yet intimate moment. The piece is a woodblock print that showcases the woman's delicate features, including her long, slender fingers as she delicately combs her hair. The print is striking for its attention to detail, capturing the woman's hair with delicate brushstrokes and skillful use of light and shadow. This work of art is also known for its melancholic aura, it showcases the woman's contemplative expression and the sense of solitude that surrounds her. It's an ethereal masterpiece that showcases the artist's virtuosity and his ability to imbue a sense of nostalgia in the viewer.
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: "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: "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: "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.