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Tag: Katsushika Hokusai

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Authentic Ukiyo-e Printmaking Experience Under Artisan Guidance at Takahashi Studio

By ninjakotan

Authentic Ukiyo-e Printmaking Experience Under Artisan Guidance at Takahashi Studio   At our company, we have had the privilege of participating in an authentic Ukiyo-e printmaking experience under the guidance of real artisans at Takahashi Studio, and I am excited to share our report. Takahashi Studio is Japan’s oldest Ukiyo-e studio, with a history spanning over 160 years. The experience of creating Ukiyo-e prints under the guidance of an authentic artisan at this historic studio proved to be an unforgettable and marvelous experience. Firstly, at Takahashi Studio, we started by watching a video about Ukiyo-e printmaking while listening to the explanations from the artisans. The commentary was impressive. It thoroughly explained the division of roles in Ukiyo-e production, which includes the Hanmoto (publishers), the Eshi (painters), the Horishi (carvers), and the Surishi (printers). The publisher handles the entire process, from planning the Ukiyo-e prints, securing production funds, negotiating with painters, managing the production process, and even sales and managing the woodblock. Following the publisher’s instructions, the painter creates a preliminary sketch only in ink outlines. This ink sketch is then handed over to the carver, who carves a woodblock known as the “key block” (also called the “sumi block”) thatread moreAuthentic Ukiyo-e Printmaking Experience Under Artisan Guidance at Takahashi Studio

CategoriesExperience

Painters: How to Experience Ukiyo-e Making with Authentic Artisans in Tokyo(1)

By ninjakotan

Painters: How to Experience Ukiyo-e Making with Authentic Artisans in Tokyo(1)   Ukiyo-e, a comprehensive art form, comes to life through the collaboration of three artisans: the “Eshi (painters)” who sketch the design, the “Horishi (carvers)” who carve the wooden blocks for each color, and the “Surishi (printers)” who layers the colors onto the washi paper using a baren. Alongside them stands the publisher, the “Hanmoto,” who oversees and plans the entire production process. In our previous discussion, we delved into the role of the publisher. Today, let’s explore the “painters.” The artisans responsible for creating the sketches, known as the “Eshi,” include renowned figures such as Kitagawa Utamaro, Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, and Sharaku, among others. During the Edo period, the “Hanmoto” commissioned these artists based on the prevailing trends and preferences of the time. The Subjects of Ukiyo-e Range, from Kabuki Actors and Beauties to Contemporary Topics such as Epidemics During the early stages of ukiyo-e, subjects primarily included kabuki actors and beautiful women from the pleasure quarters, catering to the tastes of the common people. Over time, the themes expanded to encompass landscapes, flora, and fauna. Landscape prints featured scenic views of specific locations and depictions ofread morePainters: How to Experience Ukiyo-e Making with Authentic Artisans in Tokyo(1)

CategoriesExperience Uncategorized

How to Experience the Timeless Charm of Ukiyo-e in Tokyo

By ninjakotan

How to Experience the Timeless Charm of Ukiyo-e in Tokyo: Inspired by Christie’s Record-breaking Auction     A New World Record for Hokusai On March 19, 2024, the world witnessed a historic moment in art history as a complete set of Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji by Katsushika Hokusai fetched an astounding $3,559,000 at auction by Christie’s, setting a new world record for the artist. This monumental achievement surpassed the previous record set by Christie’s last year, highlighting the enduring allure of Hokusai’s masterpieces. The iconic image “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Hokusai achieved an impressive $693,000, while “Thunderstorm Beneath the Summit,” also known as “Black Fuji,” more than doubled its low estimate, achieving $214,200. Utagawa Hiroshige’s “Yellow Rose (Yamabuki) and Frogs” also soared, selling for over 16 times its low estimate at $32,760.    Experience the Legacy of Ukiyo-e Art at Takahashi Kobo in Tokyo Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Takahashi Kobo stands as the oldest Edo woodblock print studio in the country. Our commitment to preserving the tradition of ukiyo-e art extends to offering immersive ukiyo-e-making experiences for travelers seeking to delve into the rich cultural heritage of Japan. In addition to the ukiyo-e-making experience, participantsread moreHow to Experience the Timeless Charm of Ukiyo-e in Tokyo