New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2008.

Fujiwara Yasumasa Playing the Flute by Moonlight

Artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1798-1861)

CultureJapanese

Date1845

MediumWoodblock print on paper

DimensionsOverall, Image: 14 x 9 3/4 in. (35.6 x 24.8 cm)
Overall, Mat: 19 3/4 x 14 1/4 in. (50.2 x 36.2 cm)

InscribedHorsechestnut publisher's stamp under gawa in lower left.

PortfolioStories of Remarkable Persons of Loyalty and High Reputation

Credit LineGift of Dr. James C. Perry

Object number36.8.52

On View

Not on view

DescriptionPrint of a man playing a flute in a wind storm that is blowing his robes and the grass to the left. The cloud and wave motif of the flute player's robe is free from outline. Birds fly across the moon. Predominating color is blue.

Label TextUtagawa Kuniqoshi Japanese, 1798-1861 Fujiwara Yasumasa Playing the Flute by Moonlight, from Stories of Remarkable Persons of Loyalty and High Reputation, 1845 Woodblock print on paper According to legend, the bandit Hakadare Yasusuke stalked the courtier Fujiwara no Yasumasa as he played the flute on Ichihara moor. Intending to kill him, he was thwarted by the beauty of the music and gave up. Embodying the power of beauty, music, and pleasure were key elements of the floating world, and important themes of Ukiyo-e prints. Gift of Dr. James C. Perry 36.8.52Exhibition History"Inspiring Impressionism: Japanese Prints in the Chrysler Collection," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, March 10 - June 18, 2017.