284

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2760

Art Historical Context

Kobayashi Kiyochika1847–1915), a master of late ukiyo-e printmaking, created this work titled *284* between 1880 and 1882. Rendered in *nishiki-e*—the vibrant "brocade prints" prized for their rich, multi-layered colors achieved through intricate woodblock techniques—this piece exemplifies the final flourishing of traditional Japanese woodcut artistry amid Japan's rapid Meiji-era modernization. Measuring a modest 231 mm high by 336 mm wide, it captures the era's blend of old and new, where artists like Kiyochika innovated with subtle shading and atmospheric effects, often evoking moody landscapes or contemporary events. During the 1880s, Kiyochika was renowned for his realistic depictions of urban life, moonlit scenes, and the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–95), though this print predates that conflict. *Nishiki-e* prints like this one were affordable luxuries for Edo-period commoners turned Meiji citizens, democratizing art while showcasing technical prowess: dozens of carved blocks layered delicate pigments for lifelike depth. The presence of collector's mark Lugt 2760 links it to a distinguished European provenance, highlighting how Japanese prints captivated global audiences post-1850s trade openings. This intimate artwork invites visitors to ponder Kiyochika's role as a bridge between floating-world whimsy and modern realism, preserving Japan's visual heritage in an age of change.

About the Artist

Kobayashi Kiyochika · 1847–1915

Japanese, 1847–1915