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14/7/2004

Ukiyo-e

University Museum and Art Gallery - UMAG, Hong Kong

Pictures of the Floating World

Ukiyo-e literally means "pictures of the floating world". It originated in the culture of the metropolitan city of Edo (Tokyo) during the Edo period (1603-1867) in Japan, when political and military power was in the hands of the shoguns. The term "floating world" (ukiyo) was originally a Buddhist term referring to the transcient pleasures of life. Buddhism, however, was suppressed in the Edo period and in the late 17th century the term was used to refer to the culture of the licensed pleasure district of Yoshiwara. Ukiyo-e today refers mainly to the folk paintings and woodblock prints produced from the 17th to 19th centuries.

This exhibition features approximately 30 woodblock prints by over ten Japanese Ukiyo-e artists, including Harunobu Suzuki (1725-1770), Utamaro Kitagawa (1750-1806), Eishi Hosoda (1756-1829), Toyokuni Utagawa (1769-1825), Kunisada Utagawa (1786-1864), Hiroshige Ando (1797-1858), Kuniyoshi Utagawa (1798-1861), Hiroshige II (1826-1869), Yoshitoshi Tsukioka (1839-1892) and Fukugoshi (b. 1902). These works are all on loan from a local collector.

Ukiyo-e normally depict secular scenes, focusing on the culture of the "floating world" such as Kabuki theatre, courtesans and scenes of daily life. It is a graphic art closely connected with the theatrical art, architecture, history, and culture of Japan. As travel became an increasingly popular pastime, the pleasures to be found in nature, interesting landmarks, and travel are also highlighted in Ukiyo-e landscape prints, as shown in some of the exhibits.

Ukiyo-e were also influential in developments occurring in Western art in the late 19th century. Through diplomatic and trade exchanges, Ukiyo-e were introduced to western audiences inspiring artists of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist schools eagerly seeking alternatives to the European convention. The Utagawa School of Ukiyo-e, represented by Hiroshige whose landscapes show an intimate and poetic atmosphere, were particularly influential. Artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Manet and Gauguin are known for producing exotic works with the dramatic compositions and bold colours of Ukiyo-e. In the decorative arts, the "Art Nouveau" and "Art Deco" movements fashionable in Europe and the United States were also influenced by the mood of "Japonisme" at the time. International recognition of Ukiyo-e has elevated it to the status of fine art.

The Museum opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sundays 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Museum is closed on public holidays. Admission is free.

For additional information or photographs, please call 2241 5512 or visit the Museum's website
IMAGE: Hiroshige Ando (1797-1858) Travellers at Sakanoshita Pass 53 stages of Tokaido, 49th view July 1885 Woodblock print (private collection)

University Museum and Art Gallery
The University of Hong Kong
94 Bonham Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

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