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Woodblock print of tan leaves covering rice cakes below columns of calligraphy.
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 tan leaves covering rice cakes below columns of calligraphy.
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.

Wai Yee Chiong, associate curator of Asian art

Exhibition images

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Related Objects

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

Totsuka (戸塚), Edo Period
Woodblock print of a light brown woven basket brimming with light gray fresh fish topped with an exquisite arrangement of blooming red flower stalks covered in deep blue-green leaves.

Utagawa Sadahide 歌川貞秀

Ayu Fish and Bell Flowers, Edo Period
Woodblock print with handwritten Japanese text in the middle of the composition. Above it, two birds accompany a boat docked in undisturbed waters. Below it, a shrub of pink flowers.

Unknown Maker, Japanese

Cormorants on a Boat and Pinks, Edo Period
A color print with a large, orange lobster in the center with its tail open holding many small items and Japanese writing above it. Next to the lobster there is a dish, green leaves and twigs.

Ryūryūkyo Shinsai 柳々居辰斎

Lobster and Cup, Edo Period
Woodblock print of two light-skinned women dressed in pink earth-toned garments engaged in conversation. The woman on the left is holding a circular tray of sushi on her shoulders.

Kikugawa Eizan 菊川英山

Two Women with a Tray of Sushi, Edo Period
Woodblock triptych of ladies dressed in luxurious, colorful patterned garments gathering around a table with various food and drinks. Behind them are blossoming plum trees overtop a light pink background.

Utagawa Toyokuni

The New Plum Estate on the Sumida River (隅田川新梅屋敷之図Sumidagawa Shin Ume yashiki no zu), Edo Period
Woodblock print of a flowering and fruiting potted plant behind a hawk perched on an ornamented wooden rod. In the distance, Mount Fuji peeks from behind fluffy white clouds.

Isoda Koryūsai 礒田湖龍斎

Mount Fuji Hawk, and Eggplants , Edo Period
Woodblock print of a seated woman, facing leftwards, wearing an orange-lined teal garment that fades to brown with floral embellishments against a backdrop of blossoming branches and pastel orange clouds.

Utagawa Kunisada 歌川 国貞 (Toyokuni III)

Hand games and flowering sleeves (拳角力花の振袖 Kenzumo hana no furisode), Edo Period
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Eating in Edo

April 1 - October 8, 2023
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