Plovers in Moonlight c. mid 18th century

Ōnishi Suigetsu's "Plovers in Moonlight" is a beautiful example of Japanese *ukiyo-e*, the art of the floating world. The painting, created in the mid-18th century, depicts a flock of plovers flying against a muted grey sky, illuminated by a large full moon. The artist, known for his delicate and precise brushstrokes, captures the movement of the birds in a flowing, dynamic composition. This work, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, exemplifies the genre’s emphasis on natural beauty and fleeting moments of everyday life.