28/06/2025
Ukiyo-e, also known as โpictures of the floating worldโ, are a style of woodblock prints in Japan, commonly depicting scenes such as landscapes, people, flora, fauna, and more. Created using a complex method of carving wood, applying ink to a newly formed โkeyblockโ, and then impressing paper upon the block, woodblock prints are an especially famous craft originating from Japan. ๐พ
The British Museum is currently running an exhibition on the many woodblock prints of famous artist Utagawa Hiroshige, entitled โHiroshige: artist of the open roadโ! Utagawa Hiroshige, born in 1797, is most famous for his various depictions of the Japanese countryside and cities. His journeys and prints of the 53 Stations of the Tokaido Road between Tokyo (known as Edo during the Edo Period) and Kyoto are some of the most recognisable prints in the world. ๐ป
With a wonderful collection of high quality prints of his various series, in addition to covering how Japanese prints influenced famous western artists such as Van Gogh and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, this exhibition is not to be missed. It is now open until 7 September. Check out the article below and you can find a discount code for tickets! ๐คฉ
https://www.japan.travel/en/uk/inspiration/hiroshige-utagawa-exploring-japan-with-a-master-of-the-floating-world/
Image: Utagawa Hiroshige (1797โ1858), Arashiyama from Famous Places of Kyoto. Colour-woodblock print, about 1834. Loan from the collection of Alan Medaugh. Photo ยฉ Alan Medaugh, photography by Matsuba Ryลko.
