(Houseboat and moon) c. 1854 - 1859

This woodblock print, "(Houseboat and Moon)" by Ueda Kōkei, showcases a traditional Japanese houseboat (yashiki-bune) against a backdrop of a luminous moon. The print, dated c. 1854-1859, reflects the artist's fascination with the serenity and simplicity of daily life on the waterways. The composition is notable for its understated realism, depicting a single houseboat with figures inside, adding a touch of human activity to the scene. The inscription in Japanese adds to the artwork's historical significance, likely a poem or verse about the scene depicted. The print, now held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offers a glimpse into the tranquil beauty of Edo-period Japan, a period known for its artistic and cultural flourish.