Artwork

The Chofu Tama River in Musashi Province (from the series The Six Tama Rivers of the Floating World)

The Chofu Tama River in Musashi Province (from the series The Six Tama Rivers of the Floating World) is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitao Shigemasa. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This ukiyo-e print, titled The Chofu Tama River in Musashi Province, is part of a series depicting six rivers.

About this work

You see a quiet river scene from old Japan. Boats drift near the shore. Trees lean over the water. A few people walk on the far bank.

This is an ukiyo-e print. It shows daily life in the Edo period. The colors are soft and flat, typical for this style.

Look up Kitao Shigemasa (Japanese, 1739–1819) to see more prints by this artist.

Overview

This ukiyo-e print, titled The Chofu Tama River in Musashi Province, is part of a series depicting six rivers. Created around 1770 by Kitao Shigemasa, it is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a serene riverside scene, with boats near the shore and pedestrians on the opposite bank. Trees overhang the water, creating a tranquil atmosphere. It reflects daily life in Japan during the Edo period.

Technique & Style

Characteristic of ukiyo-e, the print features soft, flat colors. This style was typical for the genre, which often depicted everyday scenes and landscapes.

History & Provenance

Kitao Shigemasa, the artist, was active in the 18th century, producing works between 1739 and 1819. The print is dated to around 1770, a period when ukiyo-e was flourishing.