Who painted Full Moon on Kanazawa, Musashi?

Full Moon on Kanazawa, Musashi was painted by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1857.

Where can I see Full Moon on Kanazawa, Musashi?

Full Moon on Kanazawa, Musashi is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Full Moon on Kanazawa, Musashi?

Full Moon on Kanazawa, Musashi is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Full Moon on Kanazawa, Musashi

Utagawa Hiroshige , 1857

Full Moon on Kanazawa, Musashi is a print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Hiroshige made this print late in life, part of a series about snow, moon, and flowers—simple things that felt special.

A full moon glows over a dark bay, lighting up tiny fishing boats and a curved bridge in the distance. Hills rise on the left, dotted with houses and trees.

Hiroshige made this print late in life, part of a series about snow, moon, and flowers—simple things that felt special. People in his time would have known this spot near Tokyo right away.

Look up more works about *japan, edo period (1615–1868)* to see how artists showed everyday beauty.

Overview

Full Moon on Kanazawa, Musashi is a late-career ukiyo-e print by Hiroshige, depicting a serene autumnal scene under a full moon.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates the poetic theme of 'setsugekka' (snow, moon, and flowers), focusing on the moon aspect, evoking a sense of everyday beauty in a familiar landscape.

Technique & Style

Hiroshige employs his characteristic panoramic composition, juxtaposing a dark bay illuminated by the moon with hills, villages, and architectural details like a double-arched bridge.

History & Provenance

Created late in Hiroshige's life, this work is part of a triptych series exploring the setsugekka theme, with a setting recognizable to his Edo Period contemporaries due to its proximity to Tokyo.

Context

Reflective of Edo Period aesthetics, the piece highlights the beauty in mundane scenes, a common theme in ukiyo-e prints of the time, which often celebrated natural beauty and everyday life.

Legacy

This print contributes to Hiroshige's legacy of capturing Japan's landscapes and the fleeting moments of natural beauty, influencing subsequent artistic depictions of everyday Japanese life and nature.

Artist & collection

Artist

Utagawa Hiroshige

Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川広重) or Andō Hiroshige (安藤広重), born Andō Tokutarō (安藤徳太郎; 1797 – 12 October 1858), was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.