The British Museum has opened a captivating exhibition titled “Hiroshige: Artist of the Open Road.” It showcases the remarkable woodblock prints of Utagawa Hiroshige, who captured the essence of Japan during the Edo Period. Hiroshige’s work chronicled an era of potential upheaval. He created a vivid portrayal of the Japanese landscape and daily life during this pivotal time.
The exhibition features a diverse array of Hiroshige’s work. It includes charming scenes of cherry blossoms and gardens, bustling pleasure boats in Edo’s Ryōgoku district, and sweeping views of the iconic Mt. Fuji. One notable piece on display is “Tōkaidō Autumn Moon: Restaurants at Kanagawa, Musashi Province.” Hiroshige’s prints are not only a testament to artistic skill but also historical and cultural documents.
Hiroshige’s artistic capture of Edo
Hiroshige often compiled his prints into collections, such as “100 Famous Views of Edo” and “The 69 Stations of the Kiso Highway.” This exhibition marks the artist’s first solo show at The British Museum and the first of its kind in London in over 25 years. A centerpiece of the exhibition is “Pleasure Boats at Ryōgoku in the Eastern Capital.” It showcases a stunning woodblock print triptych.
Hiroshige and his contemporaries witnessed immense societal shifts. They managed to convey a calm artistic vision that resonated with people across various social strata. Other notable works in the exhibition include:
“Awa: The Rough Seas at Naruto” from ‘Illustrated Guide to Famous Places in the 60-odd Provinces’
“Seba” from ‘The 69 Stations of the Kiso Highway’
“Evening View of the Eight Scenic Spots of Kanazawa in Musashi Province”
“Nihonbashi – Morning Scene” from ‘The 53 Stations of the Tōkaidō’
“Mt.
Fuji and Otodome Fall”
“The Plum Garden at Kameido” from ‘100 Famous Views of Edo’
“Hiroshige: Artist of the Open Road” is a must-visit for those fascinated by Japanese art and culture. The exhibition will be available for viewing until September 7 in London.
