Boat under the Moon 1800 - 1833

"Boat under the Moon" is a hanging scroll by Japanese artist Nagasawa Roshū (1767-1847) and is on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Dating back to the early 19th century, the painting depicts a serene landscape with towering cliffs and a small boat traversing choppy waters under a luminous moon. The delicate brushwork and subtle washes of color create a sense of tranquility and evoke the beauty of nature. The painting is a prime example of the *literati style* in Japanese art, which emphasizes elegant simplicity and a refined appreciation for the natural world.