Ukiyo-e in Mejiro - 13/11/08

The Print Master In Action

Working for Tokyo Notice Board I get to write about upcoming events, and I often get the urge to go to the events I promote. The first of which I tried was a Ukiyo-e demonstration today in Mejiro, Tokyo. I'd learned a little bit about Ukiyo-e at University, but I didn't have any real knowledge of the subject until today. As I often say in my blogs 'it was a very rare experience' ... but it's true! A public demonstration from a trained master doesn't usually happen ... this time the Adachi Ukiyo-e foundation decided to make a special event for foreigners to see this traditional art form first hand.

There was a limit of 30 people, but since I knew about this event early I was able to reserve a place for me & Kozue. There was a really mixed, international crowd attending ... with a lot of French people for some reason. The print master Mr. Nakata had his equipment set up on a small stage, and the Institute's Curator gave us a talk with information about the process ... answering any questions we had.

For anyone that doesn't know ... the most famous, classic images of traditional Japan come from the Ukiyo-e art of Japan's Edo Period. Visually, they look like paintings (as the originals were) but the artform is rooted in reproduction. Images were made, to be printed and reproduced in large numbers ... making the idea of an 'original' piece a somewhat vague idea.

I was most curious to see how such detailed images could be created using only paint and print blocks. Today's demonstration was of the most famous Ukiyo-e picture The Great Wave Off Kanagawa (originally by Hokusai).

Nakata Preparing the Print

The print master Mr. Nakata produced a number of prints from each Cherry wood block, then proceded to build up each image one layer of colour at a time. He worked very quickly (as things dried up quickly) putting water on the block, spreading it, then adding ink and glue. When the prints started to take shape there were audible gasps and 'C'est magnifique!' from one French lady. I was surprised at how inquisitive the audience were ... they really kept the curator busy! When the prints were done they passed them around the room for everyone to see and touch.

The Great Wave Off Kanagawa

If you compare the grey gradient around Mount Fuji to the one on the Wikipedia page, you can see a real difference. Apparently these prints were only done roughly for the presentation ... the quality (although very good by our eyes) wasn't good enough for sale. There were a number of other impressive Ukiyo-e prints around the showroom, including others from the same series as today's print '36 Views Of Mount Fuji'. (Which is mis-leadingly titled as the series was extended to 46 in total).

Three Hokuasai Series

Hokusai's 'South Wind, Clear Sky' (Top Right) is also very famous ... but I'd never seen 'Rainstorm Beneath the Summit' before (Top Left) which is equally as impressive. I'd like to get behind the scenes of some more traditional or modern Japanese art some time soon ... let's see if I can make it happen.