Rediscover Hiroshige’s Blue in Tokyo This Autumn: A Journey Through Ukiyo-e Art
If you're looking to enjoy an artistic autumn in Tokyo, why not immerse yourself in the blue world of Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), a Ukiyo-e artist? The "Hiroshige Blue" exhibition, held at the Ota Memorial Museum of Art from October 5 to December 8, 2024, focuses on the beautiful blue used by Hiroshige, Prussian blue (also known as Berlin blue).
Hiroshige was an ukiyo-e master who thrived in the late Edo period, and his landscape paintings are highly regarded both in Japan and abroad. What makes his work particularly notable is the use of Prussian blue, a vibrant blue pigment introduced to Japan around 1830. This vivid blue became a key feature in his depictions of the sky, sea, and water surfaces, adding poetic beauty to his artworks.
The World Expanded by Prussian Blue
Hiroshige first began using Prussian blue in his mid-30s, an encounter that opened his eyes to landscape painting. This led to the creation of famous series such as "Famous Places of the Eastern Capital" and "The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō." In these works, he delicately captures the ever-changing skies and the reflections on water surfaces using Prussian blue.
The exhibition showcases Hiroshige's masterpieces painted with Prussian blue, offering a comprehensive view of his artistic journey. From his early works to his later masterpieces, visitors can trace how Hiroshige harnessed Prussian blue to depict Japanese landscapes and rise to fame as one of the most popular ukiyo-e artists.
The "Blue Era" of Ukiyo-e
Prussian blue not only influenced Hiroshige but also captivated other ukiyo-e artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Hokusai's famous "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji" series, which prominently uses Prussian blue, is a prime example of this. The exhibition also features works by Hokusai and Kuniyoshi that employed Prussian blue, allowing visitors to experience the "blue era" of ukiyo-e.
Don’t Miss Hiroshige's Pre-Prussian Blue Works
In addition to his landscape paintings, the exhibition also features Hiroshige’s earlier works, including portraits of beautiful women, actors, and warriors. It’s fascinating to imagine how Hiroshige’s style might have evolved without his encounter with Prussian blue. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the diverse expressions of ukiyo-e.
Exhibition Information
Location: Ota Memorial Museum of Art
Dates: October 5 (Sat) – December 8 (Sun), 2024
First Period: October 5 (Sat) – November 4 (Mon, holiday)
Second Period: November 9 (Sat) – December 8 (Sun)
Complete replacement of exhibited works between periods
Closed: October 7, 15, 21, 28, November 5-8, 11, 18, 25
Hours: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM)
Admission: General ¥1,000 / University and High School Students ¥700 / Junior High School Students and younger: Free
From Exhibition to Creation: Experience Hiroshige’s Blue and Craft Your Own Ukiyo-e
This Ukiyo-e exhibition, where you can experience the beauty of Hiroshige’s blue and Prussian blue, is a special opportunity to enjoy the autumn in Tokyo. Why not immerse yourself in the poetic world of ukiyo-e and experience these historical landscape paintings firsthand?
Utagawa Hiroshige also left behind ukiyo-e, which depicts scenes from Tokyo’s Kagurazaka area. Why not try a hands-on ukiyo-e-making experience (Ukiyo-e Workshop) at "Takahashi Kobo (Studio)," located near Kagurazaka? Founded during the Ansei era (1855-1860), Takahashi Studio is Japan’s oldest ukiyo-e workshop. Hiroshige, born in 1797, passed away in 1858, meaning the studio’s founding coincided with Hiroshige’s final years.
In our "Ukiyo-e Making Experience Tour," you’ll receive a detailed explanation of "Hiroshige Blue" from Yukiko Takahashi, the studio’s representative, and "A Master of Traditional Craft," and create your own ukiyo-e print. Yukiko Takahashi is one of Japan’s top ukiyo-e printers, known for her demonstrations and lectures at world-class museums like the British Museum. Don’t miss this rare opportunity if you’re an ukiyo-e fan!
Book Each Experience
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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