93. Buddhist Monk Receives Cassia Seeds on a Moonlit Night Bonso tsukiyo ni keishi o uku A priest holds up his begging bowl to catch the seeds that fall from the cassia trees on the moon. These seeds possessed the gift of immortality and invisibility. The priest’s facial features, earrings, and distinctive clothing indicate that he is an Arhat (in Japanese, Rakan), a disciple of Buddha who has achieved enlightenment. These Buddhist saints are popular subjects in both Chinese and Japanese art. Though the glowing circle appears to be the moon, it is in fact the Arhat’s glowing halo. It is the cassia seeds that allude to the moon in this print. 1891 Ref. #: JP1-46923
94. A Poem by Mizuki Tatsunosuke After 1629, all female kabuki roles were played by onnagata, male actors who specialized in female roles. These actors practiced feminine mannerisms and dress both onstage and off. They were widely considered more graceful than real women. Mizuki Tatsunosuke was a particularly famous onnagata of the late 17th century. Yoshitoshi presents the elegant man on a moonlit stroll beneath the blossoming cherry trees. All actors were required to shave off their forelocks, lest their beauty corrupt public morality, so the actor wears a purple scarf to hide his shaven head. He holds a fan in one hand and a poem card in the other. The poem reads: “Over the Sumida River Lined with blooming cherry trees Temple bells are tolling. As the dusk deepens I admire the moon.” 1891 Ref. #: JP1-46922 54
roningallery.com | 212.688.0188