Motomezuka
by Ogata Gekko
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Source:
- Honolulu Museum of Art
Description
Motomezuka—the Grave of Longing—is the subject of a Noh play and several earlier narrative traditions: a woman who was pursued by two suitors committed suicide to avoid choosing between them, and her grave became associated with the tragedy of unavoidable choice. Gekko's rendering likely shows the dramatic moment of the woman's decision or its aftermath, the quiet grave site itself serving as an eloquent visual summary of the story's melancholy conclusion.
More Prints by Ogata Gekko
MORNING GLORIES AT IRIYA, TOKYO
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Nippon-damashii, Kyokaku 日本魂 侠客 / Gekko zuihitsu 月耕随筆
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Onodera Koemon Hidetomi 小野寺幸右衛門秀富 / Gishi shijushichi zu 義士四十七図
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Beauties Harvesting Bracken, from the series Gekkō’s Miscellaney
c. 1886–1899
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Frequently Asked Questions
Motomezuka was created by Ogata Gekko (尾形月耕).
Motomezuka depicts figures, bijin-ga, and mythology.