Site Overlay

Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” Featured on the New ¥1000 Note: A Tribute to “Japan Blue”

Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” Featured on the New ¥1000 Note: A Tribute to “Japan Blue”   Finally Got My Hands on the New ¥1000 Note Featuring Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” I finally got my hands on the new ¥1000 note issued on July 3. For the first time in history, a ukiyo-e painting is depicted on the reverse side. This ukiyo-e is none other than Katsushika Hokusai’s world-famous “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” The redesign of the banknote is the first in 20 years since 2004. The “Great Wave off Kanagawa” perfectly complements the blue-toned new ¥1000 banknote. Like many others, I love “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” so much that I can’t bring myself to use the new ¥1000 note right away. The design is just that impressive. While multi-colored prints are predominant in ukiyo-e, there are many that are predominantly blue. Hokusai’s “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,” which includes “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” features many blue-toned Aizuri-e (prints in blue) in its earlier prints. The vibrant blue skies and seas brought a fresh perspective to landscape representation in ukiyo-e. Following Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige further expanded the expressive possibilities of Aizuri-e.   Theread moreKatsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” Featured on the New ¥1000 Note: A Tribute to “Japan Blue”

Discover the Magic of “Japanese Wood Block Prints Experience in Tokyo”

Dive into the World of Sharaku through “Japanese Wood Block Prints Experience in Tokyo” The vibrant city of Tokyo offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of traditional Japanese woodblock prints, a technique that has captivated art lovers for centuries. Toshusai Sharaku stands out as a mysterious and influential figure among the illustrious names associated with this art form. Known for his dramatic and expressive portraits of kabuki actors, Sharaku’s works continue to fascinate art historians and enthusiasts eager to connect with Japan’s rich cultural heritage.   Experience Sharaku’s Legacy at Takahashi Studio – Tokyo’s Oldest Ukiyo-e Studio At the heart of Tokyo lies Takahashi Studio, the oldest ukiyo-e studio in Japan, where the spirit of Sharaku is alive and thriving. This venerable establishment offers visitors the chance to own a piece of history, with authentic reproductions of Sharaku’s woodblock prints crafted by skilled artisans. Each print reflects the meticulous detail and passion that Sharaku infused into his original works, making it a treasured addition to any art collection. But Takahashi Studio offers more than just the chance to purchase these timeless pieces. It invites you to step into the shoes of a ukiyo-e artist through aread moreDiscover the Magic of “Japanese Wood Block Prints Experience in Tokyo”

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

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, participants canread moreHow to Experience the Timeless Charm of Ukiyo-e in Tokyo