Kii, Moon over the Hida River, Princess Tsuki, No. 37 - Fantastic depiction of the young beauty Tsuki-hime, known also as Kiyo-hime, in the kabuki play "Musume Dojo-ji." She fell in love with a monk at Dojo-ji Temple on the Kii peninsula. Consumed with unrequited desire, she changed herself into a serpent to swim across to the temple, where a new bell was being dedicated. Once there, she returned to her human form and chased her beloved monk, who hid under the bell. Furious at this rebuff, she changed herself back into a snake and squeezed the bell, turning it red hot and killing the monk inside. She is shown here taking human form after swimming across the water. Her hair flows loosely over her shoulders, dripping wet as she stands on the shore under the moonlight. The inset above shows the edge of her robes as she climbs atop the bell, having scattered the other monks out of her way. A great atmospheric scene from this legendary tale, detailed with burnishing in the black robe, soft shading in the water and sky, and a dusting of mica across the water near the shore.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 12 3/4" x 8 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small thinning spot, a few small tears at edges, repaired. Slight toning, very slight soiling, a couple tiny spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.