Ukiyoe Reproductions - landscapes

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Ando Hiroshige YUMIHARIZUKI or Crescent Moon Price A$120 (unframed)) Status Secondhand reproduction Condition Somewhat toned Size 200mm x 410mm Availability For sale

A crescent moon has several names, such as " Gengetsu," " Yumiharizuki, " "Kyogetsu," etc. A moon before the full moon is called "Jogen-no-Tsuki" or a waxing moon, while a moon after the full moon is called " Kagen-no-Tsuki" or a waning moon. It is of absorbing interest that the new moon, looking like a sharp sickle, hangs low in the western sky. Among paintings by Hiroshige entitled " 28 Views of the Moon," only two kinds of paintings remain today, this picture and -another one known for the title " The Moon Seen Through the Leaves." This one depicts the full moon in a perfect circle shining refreshingly through the leaves, and splashing water from a waterfall tumbling down in rushing torrents. I wonder if Hiroshige thought there were 28 kinds of moon-shapes. According to the lunar calendar, there is no moon on the 28th of the month. But it seems that no visible moon was also counted as a moon. Thus, the title of " 28 Views of the Moon " is logical. This picture must have been composed with a new moon rising into the sky, hanging above a ravine deep in a valley, with space as an element of beauty. The moon will add more interest with scenery as a background. I would like to know what kind of idea Hiroshige elaborated on in this picture while in his sketching-stage. It would be fortunate to locate one more picture of this rare serial-work somewhere in the world. Note: According to the lunar calender, a new moon appears on the first day of the month, "Mikazuki" or "the third day moon "on the third day, and the full moon on the 15th bay of the month. The "moonless" 'night falls on the 28th day of the month.

Muneshige Narazaki Note attached to print