Kii, Moon over the Hida River, Princess Tsuki, No. 37

by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Current Status

Kii, Moon over the Hida River, Princess Tsuki, No. 37 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Original Chikanobu (1838 - 1912) Japanese Woodblock Print
Kii, Moon over the Hida River, Princess Tsuki, No. 37

Series; Snow, Moon, Flowers
A Fuji Arts Special Offer Auction

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 on the black robe and soft shading in the water and sky.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 12 3/4" x 8 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. Toning, slight soiling. Some prints have a few creases at edges or marks. Please see photos for details.

Kii, Moon over the Hida River, Princess Tsuki, No. 37 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)
Kii, Moon over the Hida River, Princess Tsuki, No. 37 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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