Artwork

狂月坊|The Full Moon at the Time of the Imo Harvest

狂月坊|The Full Moon at the Time of the Imo Harvest, by Kitagawa Utamaro, ink, 8
狂月坊|The Full Moon at the Time of the Imo Harvest, by Kitagawa Utamaro, ink, 8

狂月坊|The Full Moon at the Time of the Imo Harvest is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 8 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Full Moon at the Time of the Imo Harvest is a woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro, executed in ink and color on paper. Currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this landscape print captures a serene nocturnal scene.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two individuals engaged in quiet, everyday activities under the light of a full moon. One figure tends to a barrel by a stream, while another stands near a small, thatched-roof hut. The composition conveys a sense of peaceful, rural life.

Technique & Style

Utamaro employed simple, expressive lines and a subdued color palette to evoke a calm atmosphere. The full moon, the sole light source, casts soft shadows, enhancing the serene ambiance. The artist's use of line work contributes to the depth and tranquility of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in the late 18th century (circa 1790s, though exact date not specified in provided sources), the print is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Context

The Imo Harvest refers to a traditional Japanese celebration, suggesting the print may have been designed to evoke a sense of seasonal festivity alongside its tranquil nightly scene. The title and subject matter reflect Utamaro's interest in capturing moments of everyday Japanese life.

Legacy

As a work by Kitagawa Utamaro, a prominent figure in Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printing, The Full Moon at the Time of the Imo Harvest contributes to the artist's legacy of portraying serene, intimate scenes of Japanese life, influencing later artistic depictions of nocturnal landscapes.

Artist & collection