The Moon in the Smoke
Artist
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡 芳年
(Japanese, 1839–1892)
DateFebruary 1886
Mediumwoodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions36 x 24.4 cm (oban)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineHarriet B. Bancroft Fund
Terms
Object number1986.54
DescriptionOne of the images in this series that does not depict a specific historical personage, a standard-bearer of a firefighting company faces the fiery remains of a burning house, while one from a different company is visible in the distance. Houses in the Edo period (1603–1868) were built primarily of wood and paper, and fires were a constant threat in densely populated urban areas. Competing gangs of local toughs formed firefighting companies to respond to emergencies, with standard-bearers serving the crucial role of laying claim to a fire and thus determining who would receive a reward.Label TextOne of the images in this series that does not depict a specific historical personage, a standard-bearer of a firefighting company faces the fiery remains of a burning house, while one from a different company is visible in the distance. Houses in the Edo period (1603–1868) were built primarily of wood and paper, and fires were a constant threat in densely populated urban areas. Competing gangs of local toughs formed firefighting companies to respond to emergencies, with standard-bearers serving the crucial role of laying claim to a fire and thus determining who would receive a reward.
On View
Not on view
Katsukawa Shunshō 勝川 春章
February, 1776
