Moon on the Sumida River — History & Facts
In Moon on the Sumida River, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi captures a tranquil night scene. The painting features a luminous full moon casting its glow on the calm waters of the Sumida River. Soft blues and silvery whites dominate the palette, creating a serene atmosphere.
Silhouettes of trees frame the scene, enhancing the sense of peaceful solitude. This artwork is a woodblock print, a traditional Japanese technique that allows for intricate detail and vibrant colors. The careful layering of inks creates depth and texture, making the moon appear almost three-dimensional. Viewers can appreciate the delicate lines and patterns that characterize Yoshitoshi's style.
The print exemplifies the Ukiyo-e genre, which often focuses on landscapes and nature. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi was a prominent figure in the Ukiyo-e movement during the late Edo and early Meiji periods. He is known for his dramatic and expressive works, often depicting historical and mythological themes. Interestingly, Moon on the Sumida River reflects a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos of urban life in Tokyo.
This piece showcases Yoshitoshi's ability to blend natural beauty with the essence of Japanese culture.
More Artworks by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Frost fills the air and the autumn air is still/lines of returning geese cross the moon in the third hour-Kenshin, from the series Twelve Aspects of the Moon
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Fukami Jikyu in maanlicht
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Looking Shy; The Manners of a Young Girl of the Meiji Era
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

The Lonely House on Adachi Moor in Northern Japan
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Inaba Mountain moon (Inabayama no tsuki)
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Omori Hikoshichi
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

One Hundred Aspects of the Moon
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

The Saga Incident
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Bon Festival Moon (Bon no tsuki)
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Preparing to Take a Stroll; The Wife of a Nobleman of the Meiji Period
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
More Landscape Art

The Starry Night
Vincent van Gogh

View of Delft
Johannes Vermeer

Water Lilies
Claude Monet

The Grand Canal, Venice, looking north-west from the Ca' Corner to the Ca' Contarini degli Scrigni, with the campanile of Santa Maria della Carità
Canaletto

Windsor Castle
Canaletto

The Grand Canal looking North-East from the Palazzo Dolfin-Manin to the Rialto Bridge
Canaletto
