Hiroshige. One Hundred Famous Views of Edo

One of the last great artists in the ukiyo-e tradition, Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) was known for his landscapes, which depicted the bright lights and attractions of Edo. This reprint, bound in the traditional Japanese fashion, is made from one of the finest complete original sets of woodblock prints belonging to the Ota Memorial Museum of Art in Tokyo.

Format: Book
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2023
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

Utagawa Hiroshige, a renowned artist during the late Edo period (1797-1858), stands as one of the last great representatives of the ukiyo-e tradition. The term "ukiyo-e," which translates to "pictures of the floating world," emerged as a distinct art genre during the 17th and 19th centuries, gaining popularity throughout the Western world. It became synonymous with the visual representation of Japan in the Western imagination. Hiroshige's artwork, characterized by its portrayal of hedonism and the allure of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), captured the vibrant essence of the city. His paintings often depicted beautiful women, actors, wrestlers, city life, and breathtaking landscapes. While Hiroshige explored various subjects, his landscapes were his most celebrated works. His final masterpiece, known as "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo," consisted of a series of woodblock prints that depicted various scenes of the city throughout the seasons. From bustling shopping streets to splendid cherry orchards, these prints showcased the city's beauty and charm in exquisite detail. This reprint, bound in the traditional Japanese fashion, is a remarkable preservation of one of the finest complete original sets of woodblock prints belonging to the Ota Memorial Museum of Art in Tokyo. It pairs each of the 120 illustrations with a description, allowing readers to immerse themselves in these captivating vistas that became paradigms of Japonisme and inspired artists across different artistic movements, including Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveau. The influence of Hiroshige's work can be seen in the works of renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh and James McNeill Whistler, who were deeply influenced by his vibrant and expressive style.

Weight: 921g
Dimension: 340 x 250 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836593083
Edition number: Multilingual ed