Who painted Moonrise Over the Nihon Embankment and the Yoshiwara?

Moonrise Over the Nihon Embankment and the Yoshiwara was painted by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1790.

Where can I see Moonrise Over the Nihon Embankment and the Yoshiwara?

Moonrise Over the Nihon Embankment and the Yoshiwara is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Moonrise Over the Nihon Embankment and the Yoshiwara?

Moonrise Over the Nihon Embankment and the Yoshiwara is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Moonrise Over the Nihon Embankment and the Yoshiwara

Kitagawa Utamaro , 1790

Moonrise Over the Nihon Embankment and the Yoshiwara is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The painting shows a quiet scene of people walking near a river at night.
The moon is rising, casting a gentle light.
This work is interesting because it gives a glimpse of everyday life in old Japan.
The Cleveland Museum of Art has more works like this one, showcasing life in the Edo period.
To learn more about similar scenes, look up the subject: japan, edo period (1615–1868).

Overview

Moonrise Over the Nihon Embankment and the Yoshiwara, created by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1790, is a print housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, depicting a serene nocturnal scene of individuals strolling near a river under the gentle illumination of a rising moon.

Subject & Meaning

The work offers a glimpse into everyday life in Japan during the Edo period, capturing a tranquil moment of nighttime activity along a river, with the moon's ascent as a central visual element.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details are not provided, the piece is characteristic of Utamaro's ukiyo-e woodblock prints, known for capturing scenes of daily life and nature with delicate, expressive lines and soft, nuanced lighting effects.

History & Provenance

Created in 1790 by Kitagawa Utamaro, the print is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, where it is accompanied by other works from the Edo period, providing context for its themes and style.

Context

This print reflects the Edo period's (1615–1868) cultural and artistic focus, with Utamaro's work contributing to the ukiyo-e tradition that often depicted scenes of ordinary life, landscapes, and the interplay of nature and human activity.

Legacy

As part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, 'Moonrise Over the Nihon Embankment and the Yoshiwara' continues to educate viewers about life and art in 18th-century Japan, contributing to the broader understanding and appreciation of ukiyo-e prints globally.