Fireflies Over the Uji River by Moonlight 1868 - 1912

"Fireflies Over the Uji River by Moonlight" is a Japanese hanging scroll by Suzuki Shōnen, a leading artist of the late Edo and early Meiji periods. The painting depicts a serene scene of the Uji River bathed in moonlight, with fireflies illuminating the night. The artist uses a minimalist style, employing muted tones of brown and grey to evoke the soft light of the moon and the delicate glow of the fireflies, a popular motif in Japanese art. The work is a testament to Shōnen's mastery of ink and wash, capturing the tranquility and beauty of a moonlit night on the Uji River.