Artwork

Twilight at Nakanocho

Twilight at Nakanocho, by Okumura Masanobu, 1725
Twilight at Nakanocho, by Okumura Masanobu, 1725

Twilight at Nakanocho is a print by the Baroque artist Okumura Masanobu. It dates from 1725 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Twilight at Nakanocho is a woodblock print created by Okumura Masanobu in 1725, currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two women on a balcony at dusk, one holding a fan and the other resting her head on her hand, their robes adorned with simple floral and leaf patterns, set against a background featuring a roof and streetlamp.

Technique & Style

The composition is characterized by bold lines and a stark contrast between dark ink and light paper, with swift, assured strokes conveying movement, such as the flow of the women's sleeves, creating a serene yet dynamic atmosphere.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Okumura Masanobu

Artist

Okumura Masanobu

Okumura Masanobu lived in Edo (now Tokyo) when the city was a flashy, fast-growing hub of theater, gossip, and new ideas.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.