The Art of Ukiyo–e | 17th–19th century
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The Actors Segawa Tomisaburō II as Ōgishi Kurando's Wife Yadorigi and Nakamura Man'yo as her Maid Wakakusa (detail), By Tōshūsai Sharaku, Edo period, dated 1794 (Kansei 6) (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 10
May 9, 2023 (Tue) - June 4, 2023 (Sun)Prints and paintings called ukiyo–e were the first genre of art enjoyed by common people on a large scale. Economic growth contributed to the creation of this genre in the 17th century. As living standards improved, common people developed an urban culture that was passionate about trends, fashion, and entertainment.
At first, ukiyo–e depicted the celebrities of the day, especially actors of the kabuki theater and courtesans of the pleasure quarters (the legal brothel district). The subject matter later expanded to include topics like seasonal festivals, travel spots, and landscapes.Techniques for making ukiyo–e also changed over time. Early ukiyo–e were painted by hand. Artisans later started carving images into blocks of wood and using these blocks to print ukiyo–e in large numbers. These black–and–white prints were much more affordable. As carving and printing techniques were refined, prints with a brilliant range of colors became possible.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Art Object | “Irises” from the Series "Poems on Flowers of the Four Seasons" | By Katsukawa Shunchō (dates unknown) | Edo period, 18th century | A-10569-267 | ||
| Important Cultural Property | Actor Morita Kan'ya VIII as Uguisu no Jirosaku, the Palanquin Bearer | By Tōshūsai Sharaku (dates unknown) | Edo period, 1794 | A-10569-477 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Actors Segawa Tomisaburō II as Ōgishi Kurando's Wife Yadorigi and Nakamura Man'yo as her Maid Wakakusa | By Tōshūsai Sharaku (dates unknown) | Edo period, dated 1794 (Kansei 6) | A-10569-457 |