Cooling Off at Shijo (Shijo noryo)

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi is one of the most celebrated Ukiyo-e genre artists and the last great master of this style. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi was born during a time of turmoil, and being a student from the age of 11 under the guidance of Utagawa Kuniyoshi ,he created several artworks in series and standalone work as well. His artwork usually deals with supernatural, violence and the human psyche which highlight the unique style of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Yoshitoshi’s works captures the turmoil of Meiji Restoration era as well as his artwork successfully blends with western aesthetics. The painting "Cooling Off at Shijo" made in 1885, on paper with ink and colour using the woodblock technique, is a prime example of Japanese technique and western aesthetic combination. The "Cooling Off at Shijo" is a part of a series "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon". The painting depicts a young teahouse waitress dipping her feet in the kamo river relaxing after an intense day under the moon. The painting features rich colours, which came from western world and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi captures the serene vibe of the evening and different people and stories in the series itself. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi suffered from mental illness and depression; however he never failed to seize the beauty of Japanese Culture with his unique interpretation even after the advent of technology which underscore the value of Ukiyo-e and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s work.