I’ve been down and out with a bit of a stomach bug the last few days but luckily I’ve had Frederick Harris’s book Ukiyo-e: The Art of the Japanese Print which has been eminently digestible. Harris was a fifty year plus veteran of life in Japan, having come there after serving in the Korean War and staying on to pursue his artistic ambitions. I was lucky enough to know him through the Tokyo American Club before he passed away in 2010.
Ukiyo-e, traditional Japanese prints, have existed since before the 17th century but truly flowered during the Edo period (1603-1868). They were mass-produced and created for mass-consumption by the common man – in effect the postcards and the Instagrams of the day. A four-part team of artist, carver, printer and publisher worked together to produce these images of ‘the floating world’ – impermanent places of pleasure. Geisha and courtesans, kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers, were all common subjects, along with landscape series, flora and fauna and the more unusual shunga (erotic prints) and Yokohama-e (prints with foreigners). Illustrated with only the choicest selections, Harris’s book arranges them by subject rather than chronology or artist, breaking down what can be a very confusing area of work, and highlighting the key issues and players.
He neatly spells out the three great H’s of Japanese scenic prints, Hokusai, Hiroshige and Hasui, spanning a 100 year period. I was not that familiar with Hokusai’s waterfall series which while not as famous as his Mount Fuji series, Harris believed to be his masterpieces. “They are the most contemporary of all his compositions, embracing abstract qualities that do not appear in world art until the twentieth century.” I think he has a point there! Harris highlights the dynamism of what is – in theory – a landscape print by Hiroshige by wondering where the viewer would actually have to be standing to view this Boy’s Day carp streamer. And in Hasui’s shin hanga print, designed to appeal to a Western customer, with its romantic and nostalgic views of Japan, we see a level of craftsmanship and emotional content not seen before. To really appreciate the details, be sure to click and enlarge the images.
Harris is sure to include a chapter on ukiyo-e books, an area that is both dear to my heart and often overlooked. From simple but powerful sumi ink illustrations by the ‘father” of ukiyo-e, Hishikawa Moronobu, in the 1650s to delicate asymmetrical compositions from Watanabe Seitei influenced by European paintings after the turn of the 20th century, Harris’s book is full of numerous rare images from the author’s collection.
The final chapter is on Yokohama-e, prints about foreigners in Japan and the way in which Japanese artists imagined and portrayed them. Other than the Dutch, who were kept at far arms length, Japan was effectively closed to foreigners from the 1630s until the mid 19th century, until Commodore Perry and the Treaty of Kanagawa forced the opening of the country to outsiders. By far the most interesting image for me in this chapter is Utagawa Yoshitora’s Trial Balloon Launch at the Naval Academy Training Ground at Tsukiji from 1870. Normally a triptych (three sheet print image) I have cropped it to two for a bit of comparison. In it we see a few Western women, in quite accurate dress for 1870, watching the launch of an exciting technical invention new to Japan – the hot air balloon.
Besides being fascinated by this era in Japanese history and the cross-fertilization happening, I have also had the luck to have seen and held two of the three panels of this print in my hands. Take a few moments to really examine and compare these photos and see if you can find the fascinating major differences, besides some of the obvious coloring in the dresses, between them.
These images give you a real sense of the complexity of learning about and collecting ukiyo-e as many of the most popular prints went through multiple printings and sometimes continue to be printed today. Harris makes excellent points about getting educated and using your eye and common sense when buying. Remember, if it is in absolute perfect condition and a bargain, most likely it’s a modern-day reprint.
So? What did you spot? Did you notice how all the flags on the balloons were changed from Japanese flags to American flags? According to Wikipedia, the Japanese officially decreed the Nisshōki or Hinomaru (sun flag) as the national emblem in 1870, although it was already accepted as the de facto flag of Japan. The print itself is from 1870, which makes the timing quite interesting. In all the other examples of this print in museum collections around the world, the flags are American as in my example. Harris’s example is courtesy of the Mita Arts Gallery, a very respected ukiyo-e gallery in Japan. I may have to write to them and see if they have more information. What else? The seals and stamps are quite different – if anyone’s Japanese is good enough to shed some light on them it would be very appreciated. Other small details include the stairs and walkway in the lawn in the background and the gazebo shape in the trees. I’m sure my eagle-eyed readers will spot many more!
Now on to the good part – the GIVEAWAY!! Tuttle Publishing has kindly offered 2 copies of Ukiyo-e: The Art of the Japanese Print for me to offer to my readers. They will send them anywhere in the world, so everyone can enter. All you need to do is comment on this post, ideally after visiting Tuttle Publishing online and taking a look at their outstanding offerings in Art, Architecture & Design, with a real focus on Asia, and telling me what other books you’d like to see me discuss (and possibly have available for future giveaways :-))
The giveaway closes a week from tomorrow on Friday, September 19 at midnight EST. Winners will be announced the following week.
Related Posts:
Hanga 101…a Quick Primer on Japanese Prints
An Artistic Reflection…The 1860 Japanese Envoy to America and Yokohama-e
Artist Spotlight…Van Gogh: The Adventure of Becoming an Artist
Artist Spotlight…Dancers, Degas and the Demi-Monde in Yokohama
Japanesque: The Japanese Print in the Era of Impressionism
Battledores and Badminton…A History Of Hanetsuki Through Ukiyo-e
Artist Spotlight…58th CWAJ Print Show
I really enjoyed this post and had a good look at Harris’ book on Amazon ‘Look inside’. I always enjoyed studying Ukiyo-e whilst living in Tokyo and one of the best exhibitions I visited was of Sharaku. He was prolific in churning out his prints but now I understand a little bit more about how the labour was divided up, I can see how it was possible. I love designing prints myself but the cutting of the lino (not tried woodcuts yet) I find tedious and painful. Perhaps I need to start out-sourcing! I look forward to more book reviews by TokyoJinja. Anything on Textiles, Printmaking or Interiors gets my vote!
Further to my previous comment, I have read quite few of the Tuttle books on Interiors and Art but just spotted two books which interest me: ‘China Style’ and ‘Chinese Style’. China gets such bad press here in UK for producing cheap furniture and interior accessories so it would be great to see Chinese Style from a different angle!
Be sure to take a look at a few of my past posts on Chinese art and antiques – I think you would like them 🙂
the balloon launch prints are amazing and a real part of history. i’ve read many historical fiction books that take place during that era, even before we moved to Japan – its one of my favorite periods in history. thanks for sharing!
lisa
The gardening book ‘shocking beauty’ looks absolutely stunning!
Great post and wonderful timing. David Caplan just spock about prints this past week at the TAC WG luncheon – He used wonderful examples and also explained something of the process of carving woodblocks. Of note is that very few blocks remain since the solid cherry panels were expensive and the artisans didn’t think the plates themselves were of value so they simply sanded them down and recarved. There is also an exhibition going on now at the Setagaya Museum – (on loan from the Boston Museum) basically showing the influence of Ukiyo on Western art. The explanations are good as are the Japanese examples and prints but I thought the western art examples were relatively weak at illustrating the point. Thanks so very much for sharing – great post.
Thanks for the interesting post. It looks like a terrific book. I was happy to see that Tuttle has English versions of some of the Japanese sewing pattern books. They have some great designs.
Well, as long as you’re taking requests: There are a couple books at Tuttle Publishing on Early Mapping (one of the Pacific, another of Southeast Asia) that intrigue me. Have you ever written about old maps? It seems like such a rich subject — both in terms of what the world looked like and for the art of the maps themselves. That’s my vote!!
Great educational post, as usual, and would love to have this book! Thanks to the publisher for offering 2 copies.
This post introduced me to a beautiful world, I enjoyed it so much. Tuttle Publishing offers an enticing collection of books to peruse. I look forward to a long browse.
Great article …particularly when under the weather!
Great timing with this post, as I’ve been looking for an intro to Japanese Art History, and found an interesting one on the Tuttle website!
Harris’ book also looks and sounds like something that I would thoroughly enjoy and could get a lot out of, especially as I am trying and learn as much as possible about the Japanese arts while I am living in Tokyo.
Batik, Japan’s Early Railways, Maps, honestly, there wasn’t a book there I wouldn’t enjoy hearing you talk more about.
Thanks for the beautiful post and for the giveaway.
Hallie.
I’d vote for any of the books on collecting Japanese antiques and using them to decorate a home.
the depth of image in Japanese prints is so absorbing. Wonderful book – inspiring.
While living in Tokyo I was fortunate to attend a short evening talk by Mr. Harris. He was so incredibly knowledgeable; I would love to read this book. I often find myself flipping through the pages of my CWAJ print show books enjoying the incredible variety of modern day prints. But I also love these balloon images and enjoyed your “spot the differences” challenge – not just fun but so historically interesting as well.
Love anything to do with ukiyo and Japanese arts generally as you know. I remember being at a WG luncheon at TAC where Fred spoke, just before his death actually, such a knowledgeable man. I would love his book to add to my “pile” of Japanese art books. Funny, I can see the book section at National Azabu with their range of Tuttle publications in my mind now 🙂 x
I haven’t been to Japan for over 20 years, and reading this made me homesick for it!
Thanks!
Interesting – for me it’s a different art form
delicate, educational, gives room for thought.
Living in the Middle East I am surrounded by
bold emotional colors (and subjects).
I can honestly say these give radiate peace.
Thank you for sharing.
You always have such fabulous content Jacqueline. Now, I’d like to go high brow and give you a list of philosophical yet educational books, but the truth is the Absolut Book (Paperaback with Flaps) has my name all over it. 🙂
Love this article. Didn’t know about Tuttle Publishing but now I am a member:)
I remember when Fred was writing this book! I miss him so much! What a great post Jacqueline!
Simply lovely, Jacqueline! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. In addition to being a great artist and historian, Fred was a true friend of the US Navy in Tokyo. As the guest of honor at a small lunch we attended at Admiral Kelly’s residence in Yokosuka, Fred told me of how much he loved ships and submarines. He was so enamored with the big grey beauties that he finagled his way onto ships saying he’d paint the ships and sub if they would take him out on the water. They did and as a result, Fred ended up being a great ambassador of graciousness to the Navy — he and his wife hosted sailors for dinners, travel, and friendship. His incredible warship paintings grace the halls of the Command Naval Forces Japan headquarters today. Nothing would please me more than to have the honor of placing his beautiful book on our coffee table.
As a student of Japanese woodblock printing I would be immensely happy to win this book
Fascinating. I had the good fortune to be stationed in Japan with the Navy some years ago. I absorbed the culture and could never seem to spend enough time in Tokyo where I would often venture off on my own self-guided wanderings. While there are many reminders of my time there, nothing brings back those good memories like wood block prints do. My favorite continues to be “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”. I know there are many other more intricate and colorful prints but somehow that one just sticks with me.
Thank you for sharing. And bringing back many good memories. I hope you’re feeling better.
A fascinating read as ever Jacqueline. Thank you for introducing us to the world of Japanese print as well as to Frederick Harris. I was reminded of Jim Thompson and his involvement in the silk industry in Thailand post-WWII. Finally, thanks to your post, I’m also now aware of Tuttle – fabulous titles, I hardly know where to start! After a tortured 30 minute time frame, I choose Chinese Ceramics. Px
There’s no contest — Collecting Japanese Antiques would be the most appropriate title given the main focus of the blog!
Would love to win this book! I have quite a few Ukiyoe but sad to admit that most of them are still unframed and packed away in storage. Chinese ceramics, Collecting Japanese Antiques and Exquisite Fabrics would be my other areas of interest from Tuttle’s books!
I would love for you to review Japanese Homes. I might have to buy a few books from this site! Thanks!
I lived in Japan for almost 5 years and began collecting woodblock prints. Like some of the others that commented, I would be interested in your review of the Japanese Antiques.
As always, interesting and educational post. Tuttle Publishing books look incredible. Intrigued by the Obi book among many others. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what makes certain Japanese items collectible. Personal preference? Rareness? Do the native Japanese collect similarly to Westerners? I had some parents at our home for an event and a number of them commented on my wall decorations (which you know well!) as well as the prints like they had never seen anything like them before!
Love this — and I’d love to see about the maps. I have an idea that this may be dear to someone else in your house as well. 🙂
This was one of my favorite posts. Thank you for sharing.
Thoroughly enjoyed this J- woodblock prints are my favorite form of Japanese art.
Stunning prints! Thank you for this artist spotlight. I would love to add this book to my collection. Definitely adding this to my wishlist. 🙂 http://www.InteriorsbyJacquin.blogspot.com