Who painted The Monkey Bridge?

The Monkey Bridge was painted by Katsushika Taito II in 1834.

Where can I see The Monkey Bridge?

The Monkey Bridge is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Monkey Bridge?

The Monkey Bridge is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Monkey Bridge

Katsushika Taito II , 1834

The Monkey Bridge is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsushika Taito II. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work is a woodblock print titled “The Monkey Bridge,” portraying a slender bridge spanning a deep gorge in Kai Province, an area west of present‑day Tokyo. A moon is shown directly beneath the bridge, heightening the sense of vertical space and drama in the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The bridge, known locally as the Monkey Bridge, is rendered in a way that stresses its precariousness over the chasm, with the moon’s placement underscoring the depth of the gorge. The scene evokes the traditional Japanese fascination with dramatic natural vistas and the interplay of light and shadow.

Technique & Style

Created by Taitō II, a pupil of Hokusai, the print employs typical ukiyo‑e woodblock methods, with variations in ink application that yield different tonal effects across impressions. Original uncut prints contain an additional strip featuring a poetic inscription designed to resemble a stone stele rubbing, a common decorative element at scenic sites.

History & Provenance

The print was once trimmed before entering the museum’s collection, having been donated by Jeptha H. Wade, one of the institution’s founders. Surviving uncut copies retain the extra inscription panel, offering insight into the work’s original format and presentation.

Context

Produced during the Edo period, the image reflects the era’s interest in travel literature and landscape prints that documented notable landmarks. Taitō II’s apprenticeship under Hokusai likely informed his compositional choices and emphasis on dramatic perspective.