Hiroshige [Hardcover]

Utagawa Hiroshige(17971858) was one of the last great artists in theukiyo-etradition. Literally meaning pictures of the floating world,ukiyo-ewas a particularwoodblock printgenre of art that flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries. Subjects ranged from the bright lights and attractions of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), to spectacular natural landscapes.

In the West, Hiroshiges prints became exemplary of theJaponismethat swept through Europe and defined theWestern worlds visual idea of Japan. Because they could be mass produced,ukiyo-eworks were often used as designs for fans, greeting cards, and book illustrations. The style influencedImpressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveauartists alike, withVincent van GoghandJames Abbott McNeill Whistlerboth particularly inspired by Hiroshiges landscapes.

This introductory book presents key images from Hiroshiges vibrant, vivid portfolio of blooming cherry trees, beautiful women, Kabuki actors, and busy shopping streets to introduce one of the greats of Asian art history.

BAHiroshige was one of the last great artists of ukiyo-e, the woodblock print genre that flourished between the 17th and 19th century and did much to determine the worlds visual concept of Japan. This dependable introduction leads you through the blossoming cherry trees, beautiful women, and dramatic ocean views that made Hiroshige a household name and became exemplary of Japonisme.Some of the greatest prints in the history of art.