Tsuki nijuhakkei no uchi

About this artwork

Aankoop met steun van de Vereniging Rembrandt en het Ministerie van Onderwijs, Kunsten en Wetenschappen

Art Historical Context

"Tsuki nijuhakkei no uchi" (One of the Twenty-Eight Views of Moon) is a captivating woodblock print by Uawa Hiroshige I1797–1858), one of the greatest masters of ukiyo-e, Japan's "pictures of the floating world." between 1830 and 1834 during the period, this work belongs to an early series that poetically depicts lunar landscapes, blending everyday scenes with the serene beauty of the moon. Hiroshige's genius lies in his ability to evoke mood and atmosphere, transforming ordinary views into timeless evocations of nature's transience—a core theme in Japanese aesthetics. Printed in nishiki-e, or "brocade print," technique, the artwork measures 369 × 162 mm, a standard ōban size ideal for display in homes. This method used multiple carved woodblocks inked with vibrant pigments, allowing for subtle gradations of color and intricate details that mimic luxurious textiles. Hiroshige's innovative use of perspective and light revolutionized landscape prints, influencing later artists and even Western Impressionists like Van Gogh. Acquired with support from the Vereniging Rembrandt and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Arts and Sciences, this piece highlights the global appreciation for ukiyo-e's cultural legacy, celebrating Japan's harmonious bond with the cosmos. Visitors will appreciate its delicate glow, inviting quiet reflection under imagined moonlight.