Published 1887, Horse Riding (#47) belongs to Gekko’s Essays (Gekko Zuihitsu). Gekkō zuihitsu—literally Gekkō’s ‘miscellaneous writings’ or ‘essays’—is an eclectic series of historical, literary, religious, and everyday subjects. Its range recalls the essay miscellany while demonstrating how Gekkō could move between intimate observation and grand historical narrative.
Horses remained essential to transport, agriculture, military identity, and ceremony even as railways and mechanized systems expanded in Meiji Japan. The catalog identifies horse, men, and tree among the principal motifs. Gekkō uses their relationship to clarify action, season, setting, and narrative emphasis rather than treating them as interchangeable decoration.
Gekkō’s print style is noted for painterly contours, soft color transitions, and reserved paper, effects achieved through the collaborative disciplines of block carving and hand printing.
Additional information
| Editions | First Edition |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Matsuki Heikichi |
| Size | Oban |
| Subjects | horse, men, tree |
| Year Published | 1887 |
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