Artwork

Zumihari Zuki|月二拾八景之内 弓張月|Bow Moon

Zumihari Zuki|月二拾八景之内 弓張月|Bow Moon, by Utagawa Hiroshige, ink, 1828
Zumihari Zuki|月二拾八景之内 弓張月|Bow Moon, by Utagawa Hiroshige, ink, 1828

Zumihari Zuki|月二拾八景之内 弓張月|Bow Moon is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Zumihari Zuki (Bow Moon) is a woodblock print created by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1828, part of a vertical-format landscape series. Executed in ink and color on paper, the work is housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene, moonlit landscape featuring a curved bridge with foliage, a cascading waterfall on a rocky slope, and a bright crescent moon in the night sky. The composition conveys a sense of depth and tranquility.

Technique & Style

Hiroshige's use of color and composition in Zumihari Zuki exemplifies the romantic style, characterized by a dreamy, idealized portrayal of nature, typical of his distinctive approach to ukiyo-e landscapes.

History & Provenance

Created in 1828, Zumihari Zuki is a notable example of Hiroshige's contribution to the ukiyo-e tradition, diverging from the genre's common urban themes to focus on landscape. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the piece in its collection.

Context

As a ukiyo-e artist, Hiroshige's work, including Zumihari Zuki, reflects a broader interest in natural beauty, aligning with themes explored in the Romanticism movement, which emphasized the emotional and aesthetic appeal of the natural world.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Utagawa Hiroshige

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.