Focus on Technique: Uncover the Secrets of Hiroshige’s Exquisite Detail
Have you ever felt transported by a piece of art? A sense of nostalgia, a feeling of being there? That’s the magic of Hiroshige’s landscapes. From a gentle breeze to pouring rain, a blanket of snow to a vibrant blue sky, his work captures the essence of a moment. This exhibition delves into the techniques behind Hiroshige’s late masterpieces, the One Hundred Famous Views of Edo and the So-hitsu Gojusan-tsugi series, revealing the secrets that continue to captivate audiences.
This isn’t just another exhibition of pretty pictures. We’ll go beyond the surface beauty and explore the artistry behind the scenes. Discover how Hiroshige, working in perfect harmony with carvers and printers, skillfully manipulated innovative compositions and striking colors to create his painted world. We’ll focus on the technical aspects: the blurring, the shimmering, the unevenness, the rhythm, the subtle changes. See how these techniques, combined with Hiroshige’s meticulous attention to detail, transform everyday scenery into dramatic and unforgettable works of art. Experience the magic for yourself.
Practical Information:
- Closed: National holidays (November 23rd, January 13th), New Year’s holidays (December 31st – January 3rd)
- Hours: 9:00 – 16:00 (Last entry at 15:30)
- Venue: MUFG Bank Currency Museum & Ukiyo-e Museum
- Fee: Free
- Contact: MUFG Bank Currency Museum & Ukiyo-e Museum (TEL: 052-300-8686 – English inquiries not accepted)
- Website: https://www.bk.mufg.jp/currency_museum/index.html
- Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 3 of Fushimi Subway Station, 5-minute walk from Exit 8 of Sakae Subway Station
- Important Notes:
- No on-site parking. Please use public transportation.
- The event may be cancelled, postponed, or changed.
What is the Gojusan-tsugi?
The Gojusan-tsugi, often referred to as the "Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō," is a celebrated series of ukiyo-e woodblock prints by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige. Created in the early 1830s, this series captures the scenic beauty and cultural vibrancy of the Tōkaidō road, the most important route connecting Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto during the Edo period. The series features 55 prints, including views of the starting point in Edo, the 53 post stations along the route, and the endpoint in Kyoto.
Hiroshige’s Gojusan-tsugi is acclaimed for its exquisite depictions of Japan’s diverse landscapes, including bustling market towns, serene countryside, and dramatic coastal views. Each station is vividly brought to life with Hiroshige’s masterful use of color, perspective, and atmospheric effects, reflecting both the daily life and the ephemeral beauty of the natural world. Beyond mere geographical representation, the series offers a glimpse into the lives and travels of the people of Edo-period Japan, encapsulating moments of leisure, labor, and cultural rituals.
This artistic endeavor not only solidified Hiroshige’s reputation as a master of landscape prints but also contributed profoundly to the European art movement of Japonism in the 19th century. Today, the Gojusan-tsugi continues to be celebrated for its artistic innovation and its evocative portrayal of a journey through time and space.
