HIROSHIGE BLUE

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) was a master of landscape paintings. His works are still popular today, especially the beautiful deep blues of the sky and sea. Those were painted with a blue ink called “Bero-ai (prussian blue)” which was used for ukiyo-e since around 1830. Many artists were inspired by Bero-ai’s beauty and used it to draw landscapes. Hiroshige, in his mid-30s at the time, was one such artist. Once Hiroshige discovered landscape paintings through his encounter with Bero-ai, he gained popularity by delicately drawing the ever-changing sky and water surface. Since then, he continued to produce poetic masterpieces until he passed away, establishing his position in the ukiyo-e world. The exhibition will mainly present Hiroshige’s masterpieces using Bero-ai to bring out the charm of “Hiroshige Blue,” which received worldwide acclaim.

Highlight of Exhibition 1 New era through Bero-ai – masterpieces of landscape paintings

We will introduce some of the famous works colored in beautiful blue from Hiroshige’s first seller of landscape pictures “Famous Places in Edo,” to “Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road” which made him a star, to the masterpiece of his later years “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.”

Highlight of Exhibition 2 　The blue era of the ukiyo-e world

Bero-ai reproduces vivid blue, which fascinated many ukiyo-e artists, such as Katsushika Hokusai, Keisai Eisen, and Utagawa Kuniyoshi. The exhibition will also present some works produced in the background of the Bero-ai trend including Hokusai’s landscape painting masterpiece “Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji.”

Highlight of Exhibition 3 Works before the appearance of Bero-ai

Admission

Adult	1000円
University and High school students	700円
Junior High School Students and below (under 15 years old)	FREE

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Ukiyo-e Haunted House

A wide variety of ghosts are depicted in ukiyo-e, from eerie specters lurking in dilapidated houses to vengeful spirits glaring at viewers with terrifying expressions. While some frighten us, others make us laugh with their humorous appearance. This exhibition features a large collection of ukiyo-e masterpieces by popular artists like Utagawa Kunisada, Utagawa Kuniyoshi and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, showcasing various types of specters and ghosts. (Please note that we will swap out all the works between the first and second terms)

① Ghost and Specters by Popular Ukiyo-e Artists

In this exhibition, you can enjoy a large number of ghost ukiyo-e masterpieces by popular artists. A highlight is Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s “Takiyasha-hime Summoning a Skeleton at the Haunted Old Palace at Sōma” (on display during the second term), one of the most famous ghost ukiyo-e prints.

② Cute and Humorous Ghosts

The exhibition also features a lighter side, with depictions of cute and humorous ghosts, such as haunted cats dancing playfully, kappa (water imps) with human-like expressions, and even specters resembling stuffed animals.

③ Approximately 20% of the Exhibits Showcased for the First Time.

36 pieces of the 174 works on display are new acquisitions, showcased for the first time. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, we hope you enjoy encountering this variety of ghosts.

Admission

Adult	1200 yen
University and High school students	800 yen
Junior High School Students and below (under 15 years old)	Free

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Fan Pictures by Kuniyoshi -Cats, Kabuki Actors and Girls

Enjoy the fan ukiyo-e prints and feel the breeze!

Uchiwa is a traditional Japanese hand fan, typically crafted with a round or oval bamboo frame and adorned with paper. During the Edo period, these fans were indispensable not only for cooling off during the hot summer months but also served as fashionable accessories and collectibles for kabuki enthusiasts, similar to modern bromides. Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861), a ukiyo-e artist renowned for his wide range of subjects of the late Edo period (1603-1868), was prolific in fan picture production. His work, which encompassed more than 600 pieces, features humorous caricatures, vivid portrayals of kabuki actors, and lively depictions of beautiful women, making these fans beloved daily necessities in Edo.

While fans are typically consumable items, surviving examples are rare; however, those showcased in this exhibition are in exceptional condition. Among the 220 pieces displayed, approximately 100 works are being unveiled for the first time. We hope you will enjoy the delightful, intriguing, and lesser-known world of Kuniyoshi’s fan pictures.

The world’s exclusive exhibition of Kuniyoshi’s fan pictures

Fans were used as practical products until they became dirty or broken. However, all the pieces showcased are in excellent condition, highlighting exceptional carving and printing techniques. This presents a unique opportunity to explore Kuniyoshi’s artistic allure through fan pictures that have remained in good condition—a rarity in itself.

100 premiere works

Among the exhibits, 100 works are being displayed for the first time, including renowned pieces such as “Girl Playing with a Cat” and “Cats Juggling Balls.” This collection not only encompasses depictions of actors and beautiful women but also includes store advertisements and puzzle-solving games, providing insights into the daily lives and entertainment of the Edo period. Additionally, it showcases Kuniyoshi’s meticulous drawing skills.

Featured themes: yakusha-e and bijin-ga

Kuniyoshi, renowned for his humorous caricatures and dynamic warrior depictions, frequently centered his fan art on yakusha-e (portraits of kabuki actors) and bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women). These subjects, deeply ingrained in the daily lives of Edo people, highlight lively and exquisitely rendered figures, particularly women. Attendees are encouraged to appreciate the beloved Kuniyoshi beauties, cherished by spectators of the Edo-era.

Origin of Oshikatsu [supporting activities of one’s favorite]

Fans have historically played a crucial role in Japanese culture, dating back to the Edo period when fan pictures featuring popular kabuki actors were highly coveted. These fans allowed people to feel a daily connection with their favorite performers, much like today’s Oshikatsu, where fans support their favorite celebrities by inscribing names or messages.

Admission

Adult	1000 yen
University and High school students	700 yen
Junior High School Students and below (under 15 years old)	Free

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Tsukioka Yoshitoshi “One Hundred Views of the Moon”

Exhibition of the complete 100 works of “One Hundred Views of the Moon”: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s most well-known works

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) was an ukiyo-e artist who was active from the end of the Edo period to the early Meiji period. Yoshitoshi’s “musha-e (warrior pictures)” are famous for their powerful and bold compositions, and are full of a cool charm that attracts us even today. The Ota Memorial Museum of Art also often features Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, but this exhibition will introduce all 100 pieces of “One Hundred Views of the Moon” which is his masterpiece from his later years, and the exhibition period will be divided into the first and second halves.

Appreciating “One Hundred Views of the Moon” from various aspects

The themes of “One Hundred Views of the Moon” are based on stories related to the moon. They vary widely, from warriors and beautiful women in the Heian period and the Age of Civil Wars, to mystic creatures such as ghosts and monsters. In this exhibition, we will introduce a clearer view of the world of “One Hundred Views of the Moon” through the subjects depicted in the pictures such as Japanese poems, warriors and the everyday lives of the people.

“Flowers” and “Snow” by Yoshitoshi’s pupils

Akiyama Buemon, the publisher of “One Hundred Views of the Moon,” also published a set works by Yoshitoshi’s pupils, Mizuno Toshikata and Arai Yoshimune. Toshikata’s “Thirty-six Selected Beauties,” features beautiful women reminiscent of flowers, while Yoshimune’s “Selected Tales of Snow” is based on the old stories related to snow. In Japan, the moon is often presented in combination with flowers and snow. This exhibition introduces not only Yoshitoshi’s moon, but also flowers and snow pictures by his pupils.

Admission

Adult	1000 yen
University and High school students	700 yen
Junior High School Students and below (under 15 years old)	Free

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