A full moon hangs over a plum branch where two crows have settled for the night, the silvery light of the moon reflected in the glossy black of their feathers — one of Kyosai's most accomplished nocturnal compositions. The moonlit crow sequence runs through his work like a persistent meditation: the bird associated with the sun in Shinto mythology placed against the moon's cooler, more mysterious light, creating a productive tension between two luminaries, two associations, two readings of the same black bird.
Woodblock print
Woodblock print
Woodblock print
Woodblock print
Full Moon with Crow on Plum Branch was created by Kawanabe Kyosai (河鍋暁斎) in 1880s.
Full Moon with Crow on Plum Branch depicts birds & flowers, moonlight, and night scenes.
Full Moon with Crow on Plum Branch measures 37.5 × 52.1 cm (Oban format).
