The Monkey Bridge - Katsushika Taito II

A woodblock print by Katsushika Taito II depicting the Saruhashi, or Monkey Bridge, under a full moon.

Katsushika Taito II, a pupil of the famous Hokusai, produced this woodblock print depicting the Saruhashi, or Monkey Bridge. This structure, located in Yamanashi Prefecture, was a subject of fascination for many artists of the Edo period due to its unique cantilevered design. The print captures the bridge spanning a deep gorge, with the river flowing far below.

The composition uses a vertical orientation to emphasise the height of the cliffs. A full moon hangs in the sky, casting a pale light over the scene and creating a contrast with the deep blue tones of the water and the shadowed rock faces. Small dwellings are perched on the cliffside, adding a sense of human scale to the imposing natural formation. Several boats navigate the river, their presence suggesting the importance of the waterway for local transport and trade.

The print demonstrates the technical skill of the Ukiyo-e tradition, particularly in the use of the bokashi technique, where ink is applied to the woodblock to create subtle gradations of colour. This is visible in the sky and the water, where the blue tones shift from dark to light. The lines are precise, defining the architectural elements of the bridge and the textures of the rock. The artist employs a limited palette, relying on shades of blue, grey, and soft terracotta for the buildings. This restraint allows the viewer to focus on the balance between the man-made bridge and the natural environment. The work provides a glimpse into the aesthetic priorities of the period, where the depiction of famous sites was a common pursuit for artists and publishers alike. It remains a clear example of the graphic clarity and atmospheric quality associated with Japanese printmaking of the nineteenth century.