Ukiyo-e and Costumes: Edo Period (17c-19c) Ukiyo-e
-
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 10
March 31, 2009 (Tue) - April 19, 2009 (Sun)Ukiyo-e, originating from secular pictures painted by artists of the early Edo period, developed later into woodblock prints to be mass produced. The mastery of carving and printing led to the flourishing of the multicolor nishiki-e prints, of which subjects were selected from scenes familiar to commoners such as the pleasure quarters and the kabuki theatre. Beauties and actors were particularly popular, but birds and flowers, scenes from literature, and landscapes also became to be favored nishiki-e themes.
This exhibit features cherry blossoms to match the season, with prints depiciting beautiful women, landscapes, and actors.
Current exhibit includes:
Beauties Gathering Spring Flowers, By Kitao Shigemasa, Edo period, 18th century
In and Out of the Fence at Night, By Kubo Shunman, Edo period, 18th century (Important Art Object)