Scenes from Theaters and Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarters (detail), By Hishikawa Moronobu, Edo period, 17th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 10
January 19, 2016 (Tue) - February 14, 2016 (Sun)
In the early Edo period (1603–1868), ukiyo-e, which depicted common people, consisted only of paintings. A method of woodblock printing was later devised and mass production of ukiyo-e became possible. This exhibition mainly comprises works with motifs such as plum blossoms and snow that are suitable for February. The lineup contains works by artists who were active during various stages in the development of ukiyo-e. They include early monochrome prints and paintings by Hishikawa Moronobu (?–1694), who is regarded as the founder of ukiyo-e prints, as well as multicolored nishiki-e prints by Suzuki Harunobu (1725?–70), Kitagawa Utamaro (1753?–1806), and Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1864).
Current exhibit includes:
Parody of Poem about Evening Plum by Shunzei, By Suzuki Harunobu, Edo period, 18th century
Lineup of Contemporary Popular Beauties: Takigawa, By Kitagawa Utamaro, Edo period, dated 1794
Scenes from Theaters and Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarters, By Hishikawa Moronobu, Edo period, 17th century