Volle maan en pijnboom 1896

Ogata Gekko created this woodblock print, “Full Moon and Pine Tree," in Japan during the Meiji period. It depicts a woman in a kimono looking out over the water toward the full moon. Woodblock prints such as this were a popular art form in Japan, and were often produced for a mass audience. It’s worth considering who that audience was and how that may have influenced the production and reception of this image. The Meiji period was a time of great change in Japan, as the country began to modernize and Westernize. The Meiji government promoted industrialization and economic growth, but also sought to preserve traditional Japanese culture. This print reflects the Meiji period’s self-conscious blend of old and new. While it depicts a traditional subject, it also incorporates Western elements, such as the use of perspective. As historians, we can use a variety of resources to better understand this print, including books, articles, and archival materials. By examining the social and cultural context in which it was made, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its meaning and significance.