De maan bij Shinagawa

About this artwork

Aankoop uit het F.G. Waller-Fonds

Art Historical Context

**De maan bij ShinagawaThe Moon at Shinagawa Kobayashi Kiyochika1847–1915), a master of late ukiyo-e, captures a serene nocturnal scene in this 1884 color woodcut. The title evokes Shinagawa, a historic post town along Tokyo's Tōkaidō road, where travelers once paused amid bustling inns and coastal views. Kiyochika's evocative depiction likely features the luminous moon illuminating the landscape, blending poetic tranquility with the everyday life of Meiji-era Japan—a time of rapid modernization following the country's opening to the West. As a pioneer in shin-hanga (new prints), Kiyochika infused traditional ukiyo-e with Western techniques like subtle shading and perspective, moving beyond flat colors to create atmospheric depth. His night scenes, often lit by moonlight or lanterns, reflect Japan's transitional spirit, where ancient beauty coexisted with emerging railways and gaslights. This intimate print (346 × 240 mm) showcases his skill in evoking mood through layered colors carved from multiple woodblocks—a labor-intensive process perfected in Edo-period workshops. Acquired through the F.G. Waller Fund, this work highlights Kiyochika's enduring legacy in preserving Japan's visual poetry amid change, influencing global Japonisme and reminding us of art's power to freeze fleeting moments under the moon.

About the Artist

Kobayashi Kiyochika · 1847–1915

Japanese, 1847–1915