The artwork titled “Songoku, the Monkey King and the Jewelled Hare by the Moon,” created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in 1891, is a woodcut belonging to the Ukiyo-e art movement. Measuring 24.1 x 35.2 cm, this mythological painting is housed in the Brooklyn Museum, New York City, NY, US.
In the artwork, the central figure, the Monkey King, often known from the Chinese classical novel “Journey to the West” as Sun Wukong, stands prominently brandishing a long staff. His animated posture suggests movement and dynamic action, as he faces a jewelled hare positioned to his left. The backdrop features a large, luminous moon, which enhances the mystical ambiance of the scene. The composition showcases the intricate detailing characteristic of Ukiyo-e prints, from the flowing garments and expressive facial features of the Monkey King to the delicate depiction of the hare. The use of vibrant colors and fine line work further exemplifies Yoshitoshi’s mastery in woodcut technique and his ability to evoke narrative depth within a single frame.
