Kobayashi Kiyochika - Because of his place in history and the changing times in Japan while he was active, Kiyochika is considered both the last important ukiyo-e master and the first noteworthy print artist of modern Japan. Kiyochika studied photography with a pioneer in the field in Yokohama, and also Western-style painting. Kiyochika's style combines Western-style depiction of light and shade with contemporary subjects such as brick buildings and street cars, reflecting the rapid modernization of Japan during the Meiji era. Kiyochika bridges the transition from Edo era ukiyo-e to Meiji woodblock prints.

Comments - Unusual night scene of a man and a woman pulling a towboat along a canal, straining against the ropes carried over their shoulders. A moon glows softly in the evening sky, creating a white reflection on the surface of the canal below. A few stars twinkle high above in the darkest part of the sky. A striking subject with beautiful shading, rarely seen in reprint.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 9 3/4" x 15 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Some prints have a couple creases at edges, or slight rippling at edges from printing process. Please see photos for details. Otherwise excellent condition.