Sundown

Mortimer Menpes

1901

Watercolour

Source: Japan, A Record in Colour, facing p. 202

In his last chapter, "Characteristics," Menpes notes that "the people of Japan all contrive to present a gay and happy appearance to the outside world" (201); but in this mood piece, with the blush of sunset behind lanterns and banner, he has caught the melancholy atmosphere at the end of an event. — Jacqueline Banerjee

  • The End of the Day and the End of the Festival
  • Flying Banners
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