Moon in the Smoke

Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 (Japanese, 1839–1892)

DateFebruary 1886

Mediumwoodblock print, ink, color, embossing, and mica on paper

DimensionsOban: 36.2 × 24.7 cm (14 1/4 × 9 3/4 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2002.190

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.ProvenanceKatie and Scott McDonald, Rochester, NY

On View

Not on view