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Tag: Takahashi Studio

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The Allure of Hokusai’s Ukiyo-e: “Express it More Vividly than Reality”

By ninjakotan

The Allure of Hokusai’s Ukiyo-e: “Express it More Vividly than Reality”     Bridging Perceptions and Realities in Ukiyo-e Art Within the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Traditional Crafts of Tokyo” website, there’s a description of the charm of Ukiyo-e as “Express it more vividly than reality.” This phrase beautifully captures the essence of Ukiyo-e.  Peter Drucker, a lover of Japanese paintings, noted the difference between Japanese and Western art as follows: “The characteristics of Japanese art can arguably be described as perceptual rather than conceptual, designed rather than realistic, topological rather than geometrical, and integrative rather than analytical.” This correlates well with the idea of “Express more vividly than reality.”  World-famous Ukiyo-e “Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Hokusai The “Great Wave off Kanagawa” by the painter Katsushika Hokusai is perhaps the most famous Ukiyo-e. This dramatic composition, with its high, swirling waves and boats engulfed by the sea and Mount Fuji in the distance, has captivated audiences globally. In 2023, it fetched $2.76 million at an auction in New York. In July 2024, it was selected for Japan’s new ¥1,000 note.    Mastering the Art of Ukiyo-e: Craftsmanship and Technique Ukiyo-e is a design that results from the craftsmanship of painters. However,read moreThe Allure of Hokusai’s Ukiyo-e: “Express it More Vividly than Reality”

CategoriesExperience

Why You Can Now Enjoy Private Ukiyo-e Talks in Tokyo from an Expert Who Lectured at the British Museum

By ninjakotan

Why You Can Now Enjoy Private Ukiyo-e Talks in Tokyo from an Expert Who Lectured at the British Museum   During your ukiyo-e printmaking experience at Takahashi Studio, you can learn about the ukiyo-e production process and art appreciation techniques from Ms. Yukiko Takahashi, the studio’s president. I was deeply moved by her explanation during a previous visit. Her insights are incredibly valuable for ukiyo-e enthusiasts. She is a recognized expert who has lectured and demonstrated ukiyo-e at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the British Museum and the Detroit Institute of the Arts. Such specialized commentary, typically aimed at art professionals, is a rare opportunity for travelers. Ms. Takahashi is also featured on the official website of the British Museum as the ukiyo-e publisher/printer, a place where not many individuals get highlighted. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a private ukiyo-e explanation session with her. Additionally, a video of Ms. Takahashi giving an ukiyo-e lecture to people in the Baltic states, organized by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is available on YouTube. Please take a look. Takahashi Studio is an Edo-period woodblock print studio established about 160 years ago. Initially, it was a printer, but later, it also became a publisher.read moreWhy You Can Now Enjoy Private Ukiyo-e Talks in Tokyo from an Expert Who Lectured at the British Museum

CategoriesExperience

Printers: How to Experience Ukiyo-e Making with Authentic Artisans in Tokyo(3)

By ninjakotan

Printers: How to Experience Ukiyo-e Making with Authentic Artisans in Tokyo(3)   Edo Woodblock Prints Rely on the Collaboration of All Four Artisans Edo woodblock prints are a comprehensive art form that comes to life only when all four artisans— the “Eshi (painters)” who draw the initial design, the “Horishi (carvers)” who meticulously carve each color block, the “Surishi (printers)” who layer the colors onto paper using a baren, and the publishing house, known as the “Hanmoto (publishers),” responsible for planning and overseeing the production—come together. The Printers Are Essential in the Final Stages of Woodblock Printing So far, we’ve discussed the roles of the painters, the carvers, and the publishers. Now, let’s delve into the role of the printers. While painters often receive the spotlight, printers and carvers rarely surface. Yet, it’s their exceptional skills that bring woodblock prints to fruition, particularly the printers who are essential in the final stages of woodblock printing. During the founding period of Takahashi Kobo (Studio), they began as printers. Nowadays, the Takahashi Studio also serves as a publisher. What Printers Do Printers meticulously layer colors, starting with the smallest and lightest blocks and gradually building up the image. They apply ink ontoread morePrinters: How to Experience Ukiyo-e Making with Authentic Artisans in Tokyo(3)

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Carvers: How to Experience Ukiyo-e Making with Authentic Artisans in Tokyo(2)

By ninjakotan

Carvers: How to Experience Ukiyo-e Making with Authentic Artisans in Tokyo(2)   Woodblock printing in Edo-period Japan is a comprehensive art form that involves four main craftsmen: the “Eshi (painters)” who create the initial design, the “Horishi (carvers)” who carves the design onto separate wooden blocks for each color, the “Surishi (printers)” who uses a baren to transfer the design onto paper, and the “Hanmoto (publishers)” who oversees the project. In our previous discussion, we focused on the role of the “painters.” Now, let’s delve into the role of the “carvers.” While the “painters” often receive acclaim, the “carvers” and “printers” typically remain behind the scenes. However, it is their extraordinary skills that bring ukiyo-e prints to life. The “carvers” receive the design (known as a key block) from the “painters” and transfer it onto prepared wooden blocks, usually made from cherry wood. Each wooden block corresponds to a different color in the design, and the “carvers” meticulously carve away the areas that are not meant to be printed in each color. Depending on the complexity of the design, multiple wooden blocks, ranging from 5 to 20, may be required. Once all the wooden blocks are carved, they are handedread moreCarvers: How to Experience Ukiyo-e Making with Authentic Artisans in Tokyo(2)

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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)

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CategoriesExperience

Let’s go back in time to 400 years ago! Authentic Ukiyo-e Artisan Experience in Tokyo

By ninjakotan

Let’s go back in time to 400 years ago! Authentic Ukiyo-e Artisan Experience in Tokyo   Dive into the world of “Authentic Ukiyo-e Artisan Experience in Tokyo” and immerse yourself in Japan’s rich artistic heritage. Ukiyo-e, a celebrated genre of woodblock prints and paintings, flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868), captivating with its intricate designs and vibrant storytelling.   The Craftsmanship Behind Ukiyo-e Ukiyo-e creation was a collaborative effort involving artists, carvers, and printers. This division of labor enabled the mass production of prints, making art accessible to the broader public. The art’s hallmark was its multi-color printing technique, where separate woodblocks were used for each color, layered to produce depth and rich hues. Cultural Echoes Ukiyo-e art mirrored the era’s popular culture, depicting daily life, customs, and landscapes. Its historical significance extended beyond Japan, influencing Western art in the 19th century and contributing to the Japonism movement. Experience Ukiyo-e Firsthand: Authentic Ukiyo-e Artisan Experience in Tokyo Takahashi Kobo, Japan’s oldest Ukiyo-e studio, offers a unique opportunity to engage with this traditional art form. Under the guidance of authentic Ukiyo-e artisans, participants can create their own Ukiyo-e masterpiece, connecting with a craft that has enchanted audiences for centuries. Takahashi Kobo’sread moreLet’s go back in time to 400 years ago! Authentic Ukiyo-e Artisan Experience in Tokyo