Ukiyo-e was Edo Japan’s form of media art, reflecting the society, politics, and popular culture of its time, and at times even giving rise to new trends and fashions. The golden age of ukiyo-e was shaped by artists who demonstrated exceptional talent in their respective fields.

　Kitagawa Utamaro captured the beauty of women from everyday life through delicate expressions and gestures. Tōshūsai Sharaku made a striking debut with his highly distinctive portraits of kabuki actors, only to mysteriously disappear from the scene just ten months later. Katsushika Hokusai expanded the possibilities of ukiyo-e across genres, creating innovative landscapes as well as works in a wide range of subjects. Utagawa Hiroshige portrayed the changing face of Edo through lyrical and evocative landscapes. And Utagawa Kuniyoshi captivated audiences with his dynamic warrior prints, extraordinary draftsmanship, and bold, imaginative ideas.

　This exhibition showcases approximately 140 masterpieces by these five leading ukiyo-e artists, each of whom reached the pinnacle of their respective fields, including bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), yakusha-e (actor prints), and landscape prints.

Kitagawa Utamaro

Sparrow Dance Yoshiwara

Tōshūsai Sharaku

The actor Arashi Ryuzo II as the Moneylender Ishibe Kinkichi

Katsushika Hokusai

Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji: The Great Wave off Kanagawa

Utagawa Hiroshige 

Sudden Shower over Shin Ohashi Bridge and Atake, from the Series One Hundred Scenic Spots of Edo

Utagawa Kuniyoshi 

One Hundred and Eight Heroes from Tales of the Water Margin: Zhang Shun