Artwork

狂月坊|The Palace in the Moon

狂月坊|The Palace in the Moon, by Kitagawa Utamaro, ink, 8
狂月坊|The Palace in the Moon, by Kitagawa Utamaro, ink, 8

狂月坊|The Palace in the Moon is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 8 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Two figures in long robes stand on a small platform near a covered walkway, one gesturing toward the scene.

This print shows a grand, layered building with curved roofs and bridges, set against a pale background. Two figures in long robes stand on a small platform near a covered walkway, one gesturing toward the scene. The architecture has multiple levels, with stairs and railings leading up to it.

The artist used soft lines and muted colors to create a dreamy, almost floating effect. This print was made in 1789 using woodblock printing, a technique common in Japanese art.

Look up cross-hatching to see how artists build depth with lines.

Overview

The Palace in the Moon is a woodblock print created by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1789, featuring a serene and intricate landscape scene.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a multi-level building with curved roofs and bridges, accompanied by two figures in long robes on a small platform, one of whom gestures towards the scene, evoking a sense of contemplation or admiration.

Technique & Style

Utamaro employed soft lines and muted colors to achieve a dreamy, ethereal effect, characteristic of his style, utilizing the woodblock printing technique prevalent in Japanese art at the time.

History & Provenance

The print is now held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a testament to its enduring significance in the realm of Japanese art.

Artist & collection