Weekend Stories
I enjoy going exploring on weekends (mostly). Here is a collection of stories and photos I gather along the way.
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Tsukioka Yoshitoshi: The last great master of ukiyo-e
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) is celebrated as the last great master of ukiyo-e. His works are characterized by a unique blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern influences, reflecting the tumultuous period of the Meiji Restoration. Yoshitoshi’s prints are known for their vivid colors, dynamic compositions, and expressive depictions of historical and supernatural subjects. In this post, we will explore the life and art of this influential artist, and examine some of his most famous works.
Utagawa Kunisada: The prolific master of ukiyo-e
Utawaga Kunisada (1786-1865) was another very prominent ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period. He was a pupil of Toyokuni I and became one of the most successful and prolific designers of woodblock prints in the 19th century. Kunisada was known for his prolific portraits of Edo, Kabuki actors (yakusha-e) and beautiful women (bijin-ga), as well as for his series of landscapes (fūkei-ga) and historical scenes.
Utagawa Hiroshige: The poet of landscapes
Among the famous ukiyo-e artists like Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Kuniyoshi, there is another artist from the same period who deserves special attention: Utagawa Hiroshige. Hiroshige was a master of landscape prints, and his works are characterized by their serene beauty and poetic atmosphere. In this post, we briefly explore the life and art of this exceptional artist.
Utagawa Kuniyoshi: Master of warrios and fantastic imagery
Our next stop in the world of Japanese woodblock prints takes us to Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861), a master of warriors and fantastic imagery. Kuniyoshi was one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e tradition, known for his dynamic compositions, bold use of color, and imaginative depictions of warriors, monsters, and mythical creatures. In this post, we will explore the life and work of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, as well as some of his most famous prints.
Totoya Hokkei: The master of surimono
Totoya Hokkei (1780-1850) was a ukiyo-e Japanese artist and printmaker who specialized in the creation of surimono, a type of privately published print that flourished in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Hokkei was a master of this art form, known for his intricate designs, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative use of color and composition. In this post, we will explore the life and work of Totoya Hokkei, highlighting some of his most famous surimono prints.
Katsushika Hokusai: The visionary of ukiyo-e
I this post, we briefly elucidate the life and work of the iconic Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), known for his groundbreaking contributions to the ukiyo-e genre. Hokusai’s innovative compositions, mastery of color and line, and wide-ranging exploration of subjects have left an indelible mark on the world of art, inspiring generations of artists and art enthusiasts.
Kitagawa Utamaro: Master of bijin-ga
In the previous post, we briefly explored the world of ukiyo-e. To further tribute to this art form and delve deeper into its history, I thought we could shortly study the biographies and styles of some of the most celebrated artists of the genre. Today, we will start with Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806), one of the most celebrated ukiyo-e artists, known for his exquisite portraits of beautiful women (bijin-ga).
Ukiyo-e artists and schools
I put together a list of ukiyo-e artists and schools. I’ve tried to keep the list as complete as possible, but there are so many artists and schools that it’s hard to cover them all. Whenever I find out about a new artist or school, I’ll add it to the list. I hope you find it helpful.
Ukiyo-e: Pictures of the floating world
Ukiyo-e (浮世絵) is a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th to the 19th century. The term ‘ukiyo-e’ translates to ‘pictures of the floating world’, capturing scenes of urban life, landscapes, and folklore. This art form is renowned for its woodblock prints and paintings, which have significantly influenced the Japanese art scene as well as global art movements, particularly Impressionism. In this post, I’d like to share some of my favorite ukiyo-e prints, as well as a brief overview of the art form’s history and cultural significance.
Byōbu – The art of Japanese folding screens
The tradition of kakemono and emakimono is closely related to other forms of Japanese narrative art, such as byōbu (屏風) and fusuma (襖). Byōbu are folding screens that feature painted scenes, often with narrative elements, while fusuma are sliding doors that can be decorated with paintings or calligraphy. Together, these art forms create a rich visual narrative expression in Japanese culture, reflecting the interconnectedness of art, literature, and daily life. Here are some shots of the most remarkable examples of byōbu that I was able to collect during my recent visits to various museums and exhibitions.