Aapje reikt naar de weerspiegeling van de maan
Ishikawa Utayama
1824
Medium
nishikie, with metallic pigments
Dimensions
175; 198
About this artwork
verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228
Art Historical Context
**Aapje reikt naar weerspiegeling de maan** (Little Monkey Reaches for Moon's Reflection), created by Ishikawa Utayama in1824, captures a whimsical yet profound moment from Japanese folklore. This charming scene depicts a small monkey stretching toward the moon's shimmering image in water—a timeless motif symbolizing the pursuit of illusions, akin to the proverb warning against chasing unattainable desires Produced during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868), when ukiyo-e woodblock prints flourished as accessible art for the urban populace, it reflects the era's blend of humor, nature, and philosoph...