Artwork
Woman (Bijin) Looking at the Moon's Reflection, from the series Mu Tamagawa
Woman (Bijin) Looking at the Moon's Reflection, from the series Mu Tamagawa is a print by the Baroque artist Suzuki Harunobu. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Woman (Bijin) Looking at the Moon's Reflection is a print from Suzuki Harunobu's series Mu Tamagawa, dating to circa 1704. It is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene bijin (beautiful person) standing by a pond, adorned in a patterned robe with red and blue stripes. She holds a tray with a plant and a mirror angled towards the water, suggesting a dual contemplation of her reflection and possibly the moon's. An inset above her head shows another figure, subtly hinting at a broader narrative, perhaps poetic or travel-related.
Technique & Style
Characterized by soft, flat colors and the absence of deep shadows, the work exemplifies Harunobu's delicate and colorful printmaking style. The composition's tranquility and the figure's neat hairstyle further emphasize the artist's attention to serene detail.
History & Provenance
Created around 1704 by Suzuki Harunobu, the print is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.
Context
Part of the Mu Tamagawa series, this print reflects the Edo period's (1603-1867) fascination with natural beauty and the contemplative life, often depicted through bijin and serene landscapes.
Legacy
As a work by Suzuki Harunobu, it contributes to the artist's reputation for delicate, colorful prints, influencing subsequent generations of Japanese printmakers with its serene and detailed approach to depicting everyday, poetic moments.
Artist & collection
