An Encouragement of Ukiyo-e Art Appreciation （Hiroshige Museum of Art, Ena）

An Encouragement of Ukiyo-e Art Appreciation

Finished

Today, ukiyo-e, displayed in museums and art galleries as one of Japan's representative traditional cultures and arts, refers to multi-colored woodblock prints (nishiki-e) produced through the division of labor among artists, carvers, and printers. During the Edo period, these prints were akin to modern media in their production scale. Works such as "actor prints" featuring popular kabuki actors and "beauty prints" depicting women in beautiful kimonos can be likened to today's bromides or fashion magazines.

Ukiyo-e responded to the needs of Edo townspeople who were sensitive to societal trends and depicted the vivid "now" of the Edo period. They employed delicate carving and printing techniques, designed to be enjoyed particularly through close examination by hand. This exhibition offers an overview of the diverse genres depicted in ukiyo-e, introducing various ways to enjoy appreciating these artworks.