The Art of Ukiyo–e | 17th–19th century
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"Autumn Moon at Ishiyama" from the Series Eight Sceneries from Ōmi Province (detail), By Kitagawa UtamaroⅡ, Edo period, 19th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 10
October 3, 2023 (Tue) - November 5, 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 | "Autumn Moon at Ishiyama" from the Series "Eight Views of Ōmi Province" | By Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) | Edo period, 19th century | A-10569-7989 | |||
| “Night View of the Saruwakachō District” from the Series "One Hundred Famous Places of Edo" | By Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) | Edo period, 1856 | A-10569-7380 | ||||
| Procession Taking an Offering of Horses to the Emperor | By Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) | Edo period, 19th century | A-493 | ||||
| Highlight | The Actor Matsumoto Kōshirō V as Nikki Danjō | By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (1786–1864) | Edo period, 1863 | Gift of Mr. Tahata Daizō, A-9137-50 |