By the Light of the Silvery Moon: Japanese Art from the Collection

Images of the moon rank among the most evocative yet elusive subjects in art. While various lunar effects are familiar, it is not always easy to capture the essence of moonlight in works of art. This installation shows how the Japanese have approached depictions of the moon and moonlight through different formats, materials, and graphic sensibilities.

The centerpiece of this installation is a six-panel folding screen, Chrysanthemums and Autumnal Plants. It is one of the first examples of Japanese art acquired by the Museum more than a century ago. The background of the screen features thin pieces of silver leaf pasted on a paper backing. Although the silver has tarnished over time, it still conveys the imagery of flowering plants under moonlight. Three other paintings mounted as hanging scrolls show the moon at its fullest or partially obscured by clouds or plants. Two color woodblock prints depict the moon juxtaposed against night skies in shades of brilliant Prussian blue.

An assortment of three-dimensional objects—including two porcelains, three metal sword guards (tsuba), and a lacquerware tea caddy—demonstrate how the Japanese are able to imbue even small objects with lunar narratives that are associated with seasonal themes, specific geographic locales, or legendary subjects. All works in this gallery were acquired by the Museum between 1913 and 2015. After more than one hundred years of collecting Japanese art, the Museum is able to present focused thematic installations such as this one.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon: Japanese Art from the Collection is curated by Philip Hu, curator of Asian art.