In the Japanese exhibition, Japan - tales of objects and images, we show woodcuts from the Edo period (1615-1868).
Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865), also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III, was the most popular, productive and income-generating artists of his time. Utagawa Kuniyoshi 1798-1861) was particularly known for his images of famous Samurai and legendary heroes.
Idol images are shown that were made in the 1830s and 1850s-1860s. Most images depict men playing roles in kabuki. This form of theatre entertained the middleclass city dwellers in the 17th century- 19th century.
The woodcuts shown are powerful with intense graphic expressions. The imagery is varied, in part we see the performers captured in dramatic moments, swords raised high, in part we see quiet portraits of individual actors.
Welcome to witness two masters of the 19th century
