Nishiki-e - NINJA KOTAN

Understanding This Might Reveal the True Identity of Sharaku The Differences Between Ukiyo-e from Kansai (Kamigata) and Tokyo (Edo) In a previous post, I wrote that “Ukiyo-e is a genre of painting that was established in the early Edo period.” This statement is generally accepted. However, according to the website of the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum (1-6-4 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka), “Hand-painted ukiyo-e originated in Kamigata during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603). Famous examples include Shijo-Kawara no Zu and Rakuchu Rakugai Zu.” I’ll leave the exact timing of the birth of ukiyo-e to the scholars, but today, I will explore the differences between ukiyo-e from Kansai (Kamigata) and Tokyo (Edo). Nishiki-e (full-color woodblock prints) were invented in Edo in 1765. Later, in 1791, ukiyo-e prints, known as Kamigata ukiyo-e, began to be produced in Kansai (Kamigata) as well. Kamigata ukiyo-e, primarily created in Osaka, predominantly depicted kabuki actors. Unlike Edo’s actor prints, which idealized the actors, Kamigata ukiyo-e portrayed them with human qualities. These prints were characterized by their lack of flamboyance, natural depiction, and intense gazes. Overseas, they are popular as “Osaka Prints.” Kamigata ukiyo-e rarely featured Bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) or Meisho-e (landscape prints). In Kamigata, there was aread moreDo You Know the Difference Between Ukiyo-e from Kansai (Kamigata) and Tokyo (Edo)?

16Jun, 20242024年6月14日

Experience

Do You Know Ukiyo-e Shifted Japanese Culture from Kansai to Tokyo?

By ninjakotan

Do You Know Ukiyo-e Shifted Japanese Culture from Kansai to Tokyo? “Ukiyo-e” Is a Genre of Painting Established in the Early Edo Period “Ukiyo-e” is a genre of painting established in the early Edo period. Generally, Edo-period woodblock prints are known as representative works of ukiyo-e. However, originally hand-painted pictures (those drawn directly with a brush) preceded and later transitioned to woodblock prints. Woodblock prints enabled mass production and lower costs, making them accessible to the general public. “Ukiyo-e” Means “Pictures Depicting Contemporary Fashion and Trends” The term “浮世(“Uki-yo”)” originates from “憂き世” (“Uki-yo”), where “Uki” means “suffering” or “painful” and “yo” is a noun meaning “world.” It refers to the transient and sorrowful nature of life. Later, it came to be used to describe contemporary trends and fashions. Therefore, “Ukiyo-e” means pictures depicting the fashionable trends of the time. Nishiki-e (Full-Color Prints) Began in 1765 Woodblock print ukiyo-e began with “Sumizuri-e” (black and white prints) in the Manji era (1657-1661). In 1690, “Tan-e” (hand-colored prints) were created by adding colors with a brush to Sumizuri-e, followed by “Beni-e” and “Urushi-e” in 1716. In 1744, “Benizuri-e” (prints using red, yellow, and green) emerged, and in 1765, “Nishiki-e” (full-color prints using multipleread moreDo You Know Ukiyo-e Shifted Japanese Culture from Kansai to Tokyo?