Artwork

雪月花淀川|Moonlight on the Yodo River (Yodogawa), from the series Snow, Moon, and Flowers (Setsugekka)

雪月花淀川|Moonlight on the Yodo River (Yodogawa), from the series Snow, Moon, and Flowers (Setsugekka) is an ink print by the Japonisme artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1833 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Moonlight on the Yodo River is a woodblock print executed in ink and color on paper, attributed to the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai around 1833. The image forms part of Hokuska’s thematic series Snow, Moon, and Flowers, which juxtaposes seasonal motifs. The work is presently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a tranquil nocturnal scene along the Yodo River, illuminated by a full moon that casts a silvery sheen across the water. Small boats bearing passengers glide silently, while the riverbank is lined with low structures topped by gently curving roofs. Distant hills and sparse trees complete the landscape, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

Hokusai employs a restrained line quality and broad, flat areas of color to suggest depth without relying on extensive shading. The moon’s luminous disc is rendered with a pale wash that contrasts against the darker night sky, while the simple outlines of the boats and buildings convey movement within a still atmosphere. This approach reflects the ukiyo-e tradition of clear, graphic design.

History & Provenance

Created in the early 1830s, the print was produced for the commercial market that circulated ukiyo-e works throughout Edo-period Japan. It later entered Western collections during the late 19th‑early 20th century, eventually being acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s Japanese prints holdings.

Context

The Yodo River, a major waterway linking Kyoto and Osaka, was a frequent subject for Japanese artists, symbolizing both commerce and natural beauty. Hokusai’s inclusion of the river within the Snow‑Moon‑Flowers series aligns the scene with the series’ broader exploration of seasonal and atmospheric effects, using moonlight to highlight the interplay of light and landscape.