The term "Ukiyo" originates from Buddhism, which means the daily life of people; accordingly, Ukiyo-e is used to refer to painting daily life in Japan. Ukiyo-e was popular in the Edo era, and the main way to demonstrate itself is by wooden prints and paintings. In the 19th century, Japonisme entered the western Europen due to the forced reopening of trade with Japan. The unique painting style, Ukiyo-e, seized people's eyes and became a source of inspiration for many Western artists. Especially, the way how Ukiyo-e created the space and distance in a picture is by using colors and lines. The presence of Ukiyo-e has influenced the classical Impressionist style by emphasizing multi objects in the picture. We can also see the profound influences such as composition and elements from the paintings of famous artists such as Van Gogh and Monet. For example, Van Gogh borrowed similar techniques in his "Orchards in Blossom" from Katsushika Hokusai's "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji ". As you can see the similarity of the two works is outlining the branches. This exhibition, the History of UKIYO-E, is organized by Media Spher, bringing 146 classic works of five masters. This exhibition is from January 18 to April 19, exhibited in Hall 1 of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
The exhibition area is divided into 5 different topic/artist areas. The first area displays the works of Kitagawa Utamaro, who is referred as "the Master of Beauty Painting". Utamaro is good at depicting female characters. He painted women's delicate facial expressions to express their inner emotions and unspoken words. Also, Kitagawa Utamaro was the pioneer of making single portraits of women displayed in half-length and he was supported by the publisher Tsutaya Jūzaburō to publish his paintings of beauty.
The second area displays the works of Tōshūsai Sharaku, who is good at making single portraits of actors displayed in half-length. In his paintings, his characters are rich personality, and their expressions are vivid and exaggerated. However, Sharaku only showed up for 10 months and no one knew Sharaku's true identity except his publisher Tsutaya Jūzaburō.
The third area displays the works of Ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai who has the most far-reaching influence on future generations. Because he loves Mount Fuji, he has created a variety of different Fuji mountain series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji”. This series is the most prestigious and internationally renowned works in his entire 70 years career. This exhibition displays a series of works of "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji", such as "The Great Wave of Kanagawa" and "Fujiyama Volcano". Artists affected by Katsushika Hokusai, including Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, have learned some techniques from Hokusai’s works.
The fourth area features the landscape paintings by the master Utagawa Hiroshige. He is good at combining people's daily life, local customs, and seasonal changes with natural scenery. Representative works such as a series of 55 landscape prints titled "Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō—one for each station", and "Meisho Edo Hyakkei".
The fifth area features the works by Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Utagawa Kuniyoshi is famous for depictions of the battles of legendary samurai heroes. His best-known works are referred to the series Heroes of Our Country's Suikoden.
The History of UKIYO-E
Date: 18 January – 19 April 20120
Venue: National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall 1st Exhibition Hall
Admission: 350 for adult
Figure 1：歌川國芳, 隠し絵 Credit: Wikipedia
Figure 2 left：歌川國芳, 通俗水滸傳豪傑百八人之壹人 浪裡白跳張順©Nakau Collection
Figure top middle：喜多川歌麿, 今世舞孃集 吉原雀 ©Nakau Collection
Figure 2 right：東洲齋寫樂, 三代目大谷鬼次の奴江戸兵衛, Date: 6th month, 1794, Medium: Polychrome woodblock print; ink, color, white mica on paper, Dimensions: 15 x 9 7/8 in. (38.1 x 25.1 cm). Credit Line: Henry L. Phillips Collection, Bequest of Henry L. Phillips, 1939. © The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Figure 2 right bottom：葛飾北齋, 富嶽三十六景 神奈川沖浪裏, Polychrome woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Dimensions: 10 1/8 x 14 15/16 in. (25.7 x 37.9 cm). © The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
