Kakemono Plum Tree in Moonlight

A quiet, almost nocturnal atmosphere surrounds this kakemono: against a large, milky shimmering full moon, the gnarled branch of a blossoming plum tree stands out, its delicate blossoms emerging gently from the muted gray-beige tone of the surroundings and lending the image an almost floating lightness, while individual birds can be glimpsed among the branches.

The plum tree is considered one of the first blossoms of the year and symbolizes perseverance and new beginnings in Japan, while the full moon lends the scene a calm, poetic note, one equally cherished in classical poetry and painting. A calligraphic inscription with a red seal completes the composition at the upper edge of the image.

Painted on paper, fitted with axis ends made of bone, and dating from the Shôwa period, this hand-painted unique work is an evocative example of classical Japanese nocturnal landscape painting, appearing especially striking through its restrained, finely graduated coloring and radiating calm reticence. Such night motifs were considered particularly suited to the cooler months and were placed in the tokonoma accordingly.