I am off to ski for a holiday weekend here, in the best powder anyone can remember for a long, long time. So, in honor of the wonderful snow here this year and the crazy snowy winter in the US, I will leave you with a series of Japanese woodblock images of snow falling. Viewed in chronological order, they give such a clear narrative of the development of the medium, changing artistic styles, and advances in print making technology. All have a marvelously realistic but magical quality to their depiction of the snowfall.
And one more I can’t help but share, even though it is not a print at all, but a photograph from a series by Yuji Obata. It took Obata five years to figure out how to photograph the snowflakes directly as they fell from the sky. For more images and information see James Danzinger’s blog, The Year In Pictures.
Enjoy! I hope you all get some time on the slopes this year…
For more on Japanese prints see Hanga 101…a Quick Primer on Japanese Prints.
Image credits: 1, 3-6. via Ronin Gallery, 2. via Hiroshige.org.uk, 7 & 8. 50th CWAJ Print Show Catalogue, 9 55th CWAJ Print Show Catalogue, 10.via The Year In Pictures
Vanessa
Those snowflakes are amazing!
Tokyo Jinja
I would really love one of those photographs….
Georgia
The pictures are super pretty!!!! I have always liked pictures of snow scenes. I expecially like the Kiyozimu Temple covered in snow.
Tokyo Jinja
Thanks for your comment!!!
Lisa
Can’t resist asking what the women in kimono were wearing on their feet in the deep snow pictures. I can’t remember the name of the Japanese type sandals worn with kimono (I’m sure you know) but I am sure they don’t work very well. Nice post and happy skiing!
Tokyo Jinja
Geta…and no, not very snow friendly…
Mary
Just discovered your wonderful blog! I also love visiting antique markets around Kanto. A market you might like and haven’t mentioned is at Takahata Fudo on the Keio Line on the third Sunday of every month.
Tokyo Jinja
Thanks for your comment! I know Takahata Fudo well, but haven’t had a chance to visit since I started the blog, and I won’t list anything until I have had a recent personal visit. Keep your eyes open for me tomorrow!
Susan Martin
Very nice compilation of snow prints. I noticed a couple were from CWAJ print shows.
Tokyo Jinja
I have always loved that Masao Ido (and bought one as a gift that year). And of course, I have a personal interest in Yamamoto since the Associate Show – his print pictured sold out this year and was re-ordered…