Moon over Akebi Bridge
by Kawase Hasui
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Japanese Art Open Database
- Image courtesy of
- Japanese Art Open Database
Description
This print depicts a bridge — likely a wooden or early concrete structure crossing a narrow waterway — lit by moonlight. Akebi Bridge, set within the older quarters of Tokyo or a nearby town, provided Hasui with an architectural element that creates geometric structure within an otherwise atmospheric nocturnal scene. The arc or horizontal span of the bridge over a darkened canal or river allowed him to contrast man-made form against the soft gradations of the night sky. Reflections of the moon and bridge appear in the water below, doubled and shimmering. The human element — perhaps a figure crossing the bridge or a lantern at the railing — gives scale to the composition without dominating it. This impression represents the first in a group of related versions sharing the same composition.
More Prints by Kawase Hasui
More Landscapes Prints
Lake Kugushi in Wakasa Province (Wakasa Kugushiko), from the series Souvenirs of Travel I (Tabi miyage dai isshu)"
Wakasa Kugushiko
1920
Color woodblock print; oban
Autumn Maple Leaves at Takao, from the album Eight Views of Kyoto (Kyôto hakkei)
Woodblock print
The Beach at Kaiganji in Sanuki Province (Sanuki Kaiganji no hama), from the series "Collection of Views of Japan II, Kansai Edition (Nihon fukei shu II Kansai hen)"
1934
Color woodblock print; oban
Tea Kettle, section of a sheet from the series "Mirror of Stone Rubbings of Views of the Provinces" (Kohon meihitsu ishizuri kagami)
n.d.
Woodblock print; ishizuri-e, section of harimaze sheet
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moon over Akebi Bridge was created by Kawase Hasui (川瀬巴水).
Moon over Akebi Bridge depicts landscapes.