In the world of ukiyo-e, few names command as much reverence as Utagawa Hiroshige. His masterful woodblock prints have long been celebrated for their vibrant colors, intricate details, and profound ability to capture the essence of Japan during the Edo period. Now, with the release of Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: The Definitive Collector’s Edition by Andreas Marks, admirers of Japanese art are offered an extraordinary opportunity to experience these iconic works in a new light.
This book is more than just a compilation of Hiroshige’s prints. It is a meticulously crafted homage to one of Japan’s greatest artists, offering insights and perspectives that even seasoned collectors will find enlightening. Andreas Marks, a well-respected expert in Japanese art and culture, has created what can only be described as a definitive guide to Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.
A Journey Back in Time: Hiroshige’s Edo
To truly appreciate this book, you first need to understand the context in which Hiroshige created these prints. During the mid-19th century, Edo (modern-day Tokyo) was a bustling metropolis, teeming with life, culture, and history. Hiroshige, with his keen eye for detail and deep love for his city, set out to capture the spirit of Edo through a series of woodblock prints that would later become known as One Hundred Famous Views of Edo. These prints were not just artistic masterpieces; they were visual records of a city on the brink of transformation.
The beauty of Hiroshige’s work lies in his ability to infuse each scene with emotion and atmosphere. Whether depicting a tranquil snow-covered landscape or the lively bustle of a busy market, Hiroshige’s prints invite the viewer to step into the world of Edo and experience its charm firsthand. Each print tells a story, and together, they weave a rich tapestry of life in Edo.
Andreas Marks: A Scholar and Enthusiast
Andreas Marks is no stranger to the world of Japanese art. As the Head of the Japanese and Korean Art Department at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Marks has devoted his career to studying and promoting Japanese culture. His deep understanding of ukiyo-e, combined with his passion for Hiroshige’s work, makes him the ideal person to helm this ambitious project.
Marks approaches One Hundred Famous Views of Edo with both scholarly rigor and a genuine admiration for Hiroshige’s artistry. In this new collector’s edition, he delves into the history behind each print, offering detailed explanations of the scenes depicted, as well as insights into Hiroshige’s techniques and influences. This is not just a book for collectors; it is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of Japanese art.
The Collector’s Edition: A Feast for the Eyes
The term “definitive” is often overused, but in the case of this collector’s edition, it is entirely appropriate. Notably, no complete collection of all 118 prints from Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo exists today. This book is the only one to present them all together in their deluxe early versions. As a result, this edition offers an unprecedented opportunity to view Hiroshige’s full vision as it was originally intended.
Andreas Marks didn’t just compile these prints; he painstakingly consulted over 4,700 individual prints, analyzing between 24 and 79 images per print to ensure the most accurate and vibrant reproductions possible. The book itself is a work of art, designed to showcase Hiroshige’s prints in all their glory. It reproduces each image with stunning clarity, allowing readers to appreciate the intricate details and vibrant colors that make these prints so remarkable.
Additionally, Marks includes a map showing the present-day locations depicted in each print, offering readers a tangible connection between Hiroshige’s Edo and modern Tokyo. This feature adds another layer of depth to the experience, bridging the gap between past and present, art and reality.
Exploring the Famous Views: A Few Highlights
One of the joys of Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo is the diversity of scenes it presents. From the serenity of Plum Estate, Kameido to the dynamic energy of Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake, each print captures a different aspect of life in Edo.
This dramatic print depicts a sudden downpour over the Shin-Ohashi Bridge, capturing the hurried movement of people seeking shelter. The contrast between the dark storm clouds and the bright flashes of lightning showcases Hiroshige’s mastery of atmospheric effects.
Recently, a version of this print owned by the late Freddie Mercury went up for auction. Estimated to fetch up to £50,000, the piece exceeded all expectations by selling for an astonishing £292,100, a testament to its exceptional condition and rich historical significance.
Another example is Asakusa Rice Fields and Torinomachi Festival. This print offers a glimpse into the agricultural heart of Edo, with rows of rice fields stretching out towards the horizon. In the background, the towering figure of Mount Fuji looms large, a reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds the city. Aspects of the festival itself, depicted in the foreground, adds a sense of liveliness and celebration, contrasting with the tranquility of the fields.
The Legacy of Hiroshige: Why It Matters
So why does Hiroshige’s work continue to resonate with audiences today? The answer lies in the universality of his vision. While his prints are rooted in the specific time and place of Edo, the emotions and experiences they convey are timeless.
Hiroshige’s ability to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life, and to elevate them into something extraordinary, speaks to a deep truth about the human experience. Whether depicting a quiet snowfall, a bustling street, or a moment of reflection by the river, Hiroshige’s prints remind us of the beauty and complexity of the world around us.
Moreover, Hiroshige’s influence extends far beyond Japan. His work has inspired countless artists, both in Japan and around the world, and continues to be a source of inspiration for contemporary creators. The simplicity and elegance of his compositions, combined with his keen eye for detail, have made him a beloved figure in the history of art.
A Must-Have for Collectors and Enthusiasts
For anyone with an interest in Japanese art, Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: The Definitive Collector’s Edition is an essential addition to their collection. But this book is not just for collectors. It is for anyone who appreciates the power of art to transport us to another time and place, to show us the world through the eyes of a master.
Andreas Marks has created a work that is both a tribute to Hiroshige and a valuable resource for understanding his legacy. With its stunning reproductions, detailed commentary, and thoughtful analysis, this collector’s edition offers a comprehensive and deeply satisfying exploration of one of the most important works of Japanese art.
In the end, Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo is more than just a series of prints. It is a window into the soul of Edo, a city that, like Hiroshige’s work, continues to inspire and captivate us today. This book invites us to take a step back, to see the world with fresh eyes, and to appreciate the beauty that exists all around us, if only we take the time to look.
You can preview Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: The Definitive Collector’s Edition, and the book is available in bookstores as well as goodreads and Amazon.
Read more:
- 11 Things to Know About Collecting Japanese Woodblock Art
- The Tale of Genji and Its Representation in Ukiyo-e Art
- Chūshingura: The Epic of the Forty-Seven Ronin in Ukiyo-e Art
- The Significance of Japanese Cranes in Ukiyo-e Art
- What to Know About Yoshitomo Nara at Guggenheim Bilbao
At The Art of Zen we carry a selection of our own hand-crafted original Japanese art prints in the ukiyo-e and Japandi style. Some of our best selling work is Mount Fuji wall art and Japandi wall art.
Add some zen to your space with brilliant original art from the Art of Zen shop.
0 Comments