Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, colour woodblock print. Japan, 19th Century. The moon's four strings - Semimaru, August 1891.
T. Sakai, Tokyo. Measurment with frame 37x49 cm.
Stains, yellowed, not examined out of frame. Damage to frame
Exhibitions
Semimaru was a blind poet and musician who served the son of Emperor Uda. He was both an historical character and the protagonist in a nō play, Semimaru. When the prince died in 966 he moved to live in the mountains near Kyoto. Here, he is in a remote, dilapidated house, playing a biwa (short-necked lute), which has a design of a crescent moon on it. He is surrounded by wild grasses, and in the foreground are the autumn blossoms of beautiful flowers. Ironically, Semimaru cannot see the beauty of the moon or his poverty stricken surroundings, and all he has left is the splendour of his music.