A Colorful Exhibition of Hiroshige’s Woodblock Prints

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A Colorful Exhibition of Hiroshige’s Woodblock Prints

Ferry on the Fuji River, Suruga Province from Famous Places in Japan, c. 1832, By Utagawa Hiroshige (1797—1858), Colour-woodblock print

Utagawa Hiroshige, born in Edo (now Tokyo) in 1797, was the creator of over 5,000 designs for color woodblock prints, hundreds of paintings, and dozens of illustrated books. His 40-year career was during the last decades of Japan’s Edo period (1615-1868), with its rigid social order of inherited positions, military rule, and isolation from the rest of the world. Hiroshige’s art was created and became known during this time of transition. Unfortunately, just nine years after his death in 1858, the new emperor restored imperial rule.

The Plum Garden at Kameido from 100 Famous Views of Edo, 1857, By Utagawa Hiroshige (1797—1858), Colour-woodblock print, Collection of Alan Medaugh

Throughout history, artists have served an important role in offering stability and beauty in times of uncertainty and upheaval. Not only did Hiroshige’s woodblocks stand out for their technical skill in his use of color and exacting craftsmanship, but their serene landscapes and cities were a balm for the people.

Even though he was born into a samurai family of aristocrats, he created art that was accessible to everyone. His sweeping views of Mount Fuji, the graduated colors and delicacy of line, the busy cityscapes, tiny figures, stately birds, and elegant flowers all were made with a keen, sensitive vision. Cezanne, Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, and Whistler were all inspired by Hiroshige’s woodblocks.

Awa: The Rough Seas at Naruto from Illustrated Guide to Famous Places in the 60-odd Provinces, 1855, By Utagawa Hiroshige (1797—1858), Colour-woodblock print, Collection of Alan Medaugh

Today, the British Museum is showing over a hundred of Hiroshige’s vibrant prints in Hiroshige: artist of the open road. A leading U.S. collector, Alan Medaugh, gifted 35 prints. Included in the exhibit are also loans from Medaugh, as well as national and international loans, and works from the Museum’s collection.

Medaugh shared, “Hiroshige's artistic strength is the use of colour to transmit feelings which sadly become more fugitive over the years. I have had the privilege of collecting Hiroshige's works for over 50 years, and it is my sincere hope that by sharing these pieces, I can help reveal the timeless beauty and depth of his artistry.”

Hiroshige chose subjects and locations for their historical significance as well as their beauty, giving the viewer a travelogue of the culture of everyday life in 19th century Tokyo. His control of ink to the woodblock for shading and gradation of color, called bokashi, is an exceptional skill he developed during his years of creating. He was able to produce depth in his sky and water, in the figures’ clothes, at the horizon, and in the foreground through this subtle shift in tone and intensity that takes numerous applications of color.

Evening View of the Eight Scenic Spots of Kanazawa in Musashi Province, 1857, By Utagawa Hiroshige (1797—1858), Colour-woodblock print triptych, Collection of Alan Medaugh

In flowing calligraphy, his prints often included a Japanese or Chinese poem; Hiroshige himself wrote poetry. The last poem he wrote contained these lines: “I leave my brush in the East - And set forth on my journey./ I shall see the famous places in the Western Land.” Two years before his death, Hiroshige became a Buddhist monk. He died, aged 62. Even though he never left Japan, his dedicated work has traveled to the West.

About the Author

Dian Parker

Dian Parker’s essays have been published in numerous literary journals and magazines. She ran White River Gallery in Vermont, curating twenty exhibits, and now writes about art and artists for various publications. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. To find out more, visit her website.