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Woodblock print of two sushi topped adorned with tan leaves served on a large brown leaf. A small leafy twig completes the arrangement. Handwritten text occupies the space above it.
Nagayama Kōin 長山孔寅 , Cakes Wrapped in Oak Leaves, Edo Period. Gift of George Pierce Metcalf

Eating in Edo

April 1 - October 8, 2023
Woodblock print of two sushi topped adorned with tan leaves served on a large brown leaf. A small leafy twig completes the arrangement. Handwritten text occupies the space above it.
Nagayama Kōin 長山孔寅 , Cakes Wrapped in Oak Leaves, Edo Period. Gift of George Pierce Metcalf

Introduction

Culinary culture flourished in Japan during the prosperous Edo period (1615–1868), when Japan experienced its longest period of peace. These 18 woodblock prints explore the richness of Edo cuisine, its beautiful presentations, and the wide variety of ingredients from land and sea that contributed to its development.

 Restaurants multiplied and cookbooks proliferated in the Edo period, signaling a booming food industry and a general appreciation and enjoyment of food. Festivals provided opportunities to indulge in symbolic dishes. In Japan today, New Year’s celebrations, flower-viewing outings, and other occasions still feature artful arrangements of delicacies.  


Wai Yee Chiong, associate curator of Asian art

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Woodblock print of two sushi topped adorned with tan leaves served on a large brown leaf. A small leafy twig completes the arrangement. Handwritten text occupies the space above it.

Eating in Edo

April 1 - October 8, 2023

Related Objects

Woodblock print depicting two barefoot figures against misty mountain scenery. The hunched woman has black trays of food in each hand and the child carries a black box.

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

Hiratsuka: Ferry at the Banyū River (平塚 萬入川 舟渡 Hiratsuka Banyūgawa funawatari), Edo Period
Minimalist woodblock print of a branch laden with clusters of small round yellow fruits and a single broad leaf with a green to yellow gradient, overtop a solid peach background.

Katsushika Taito II 二代葛飾戴斗

Loquats, Edo Period
Woodblock print of two sushi topped adorned with tan leaves served on a large brown leaf. A small leafy twig completes the arrangement. Handwritten text occupies the space above it.

Nagayama Kōin 長山孔寅

Cakes Wrapped in Oak Leaves, Edo Period
Woodblock print of a turnip top with gradient black leaves behind a bold and vivid orange carrot. Sparse and feathery blue leaves serve as a backdrop for the vegetables.

Hasegawa Sadanobu II 二代長谷川貞信

Turnip and Carrot, Edo Period
Woodblock print of a figure crouching next to a woven net beside a walking figure eating a skewer and balancing a spear on their shoulder, overtop a coastal scene.

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

Kanagawa: Panoramic View from Kanagawadai toward Yokohama Honmaku (神奈川 従金川台 芒横浜本牧眺望 Kanagawadai yori Yokohama Honmaku chōbō), Edo Period
Woodblock print of an arrangement of large green fruits and smaller pale fruits balanced by broad leaves in a blue porcelain bowl with white wave-like ornaments at its base.

Maruyama Ōkyo 円山 応挙

Peaches and Loquats in a Porcelain Bowl , Edo Period
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Eating in Edo

April 1 - October 8, 2023
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