Uji in the Moonlight

1930s

Japanese, 1895 - 1960

Japanese poets have long lauded the scenic beauty of the Uji River, which flows from Lake Biwa to Osaka Bay. A broad bridge spanning the river was first constructed in 646 and has been rebuilt numerous times, most recently in 1996. One of the three oldest bridges in Japan, Uji Bridge has appeared in countless works of art and literature, including the Tale of Genji. Because of its rich historical and literary associations, the bridge became a famous site attracting visitors from near and far, as it still does today.

Ink and light colors on silk

44 1/8 x 18 5/8 in. (112.1 x 47.3cm)

Gift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2010.41.69

Photo: Eduardo Calderon

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Legends, Tales, Poetry: Visual Narrative in Japanese Art, December 22, 2012 - July 21, 2013

Published ReferencesMorioka, Michiyo; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 252, illus. 71.

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