Artwork

The Minister Toru Daijin Standing by a Lake Beneath a Crescent Moon, from the series A True Mirror of Chinese and Japanese Poetry

The Minister Toru Daijin Standing by a Lake Beneath a Crescent Moon, from the series A True Mirror of Chinese and Japanese Poetry is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Minister Toru Daijin Standing by a Lake Beneath a Crescent Moon depicts a serene nocturnal scene featuring Toru Daijin, a high-ranking minister and imperial son, accompanied by two men in a landscaped garden overlooking a lake under a crescent moon.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Toru Daijin (822–895), is shown in a contemplative, natural setting, possibly illustrating a poem he authored, which describes boats on moonlit water beneath pines, conveying a sense of peacefulness and harmony with nature.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details of this print are not provided, it is attributed to the style of Katsushika Hokusai, suggesting the use of characteristic Japanese ukiyo-e techniques, though its uniqueness compared to Hokusai's known works or similarities to contemporaries like other Japanese artists are not detailed.

History & Provenance

Part of the series 'A True Mirror of Chinese and Japanese Poetry', this print's creation context and ownership history are not specified in the provided information.

Context

This work reflects the Japanese aesthetic appreciation for nature and poetry, common in ukiyo-e prints, potentially drawing inspiration from Toru Daijin's literary work to capture a moment of serene coexistence with the natural world.

Legacy

The piece's impact or influence on subsequent art is not detailed in the provided sources, though its attribution to a series focused on poetic themes suggests its contribution to the artistic intersection of literature and visual arts in Japan.