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Meisho

Depictions of Famous Places in Japan
June 16 - October 10, 1995

Introduction

Meisho, or famous places, derive their significance from Japanese literary and religious associations described in the form of highly conventionalized poetic attributes. Sites of this type, originally located in the vicinity of the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, were painted as early as the Heian period (794-1185). By the Edo period (1600-1868), however, the term meisho in popular culture had come to refer to sites that could be visited for relaxation and pleasure. In teh early nineteenth century, landscapes and cityscapes that depicted such places became an important part of the woodblock printing (ukiyo-e) tradition. Although Hokusai (1760-1849) was one of the first great practitioners of this art, it is Hiroshige's (1797-1858) extensive and innovative creations that characterize the genre. This exhibition of Hiroshige's evocative and mood-filled views is composed of selections from several of his well-known city and landscape series, as well as the complete set of Eight Views of Lake Biwa.

Selected Objects

A rural scene with small houses, tree-lined paths, and mountains, bathed under a glowing orange sky.

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

Vesper bell Mii Temple (三井晩鐘 Mii banshō), Edo Period

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

Willow at the Exit from the Shimabara Pleasure Quarter (Shimabara deguchi no yanagi), Edo (Japanese period)

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

Evening snow Hira (Hira no bosetsu), Edo (Japanese period)

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

The hundred thousand-tsubo plain Susaki, Fukagawa (Fukagawa susaki jumantsubo), Edo Period

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

Cherry trees in full bloom Arashiyama (Arashiyama manka), Edo (Japanese period)
A flowing vibrant blue river flowing between steep snowy cliffs. A wooden bridge connects the gorge, leading to two wooden buildings in front of a forest. Set against a gray background.

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

Kōzuke Province: Mount Haruna Under Snow (上野 榛名山雪中 Kōzuke Harunasan setchū), Edo Period

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

Mino Promontory Bungo Province, Edo (Japanese period)

Utagawa Hiroshige 歌川広重

Sakasai Ferry (Sakasai no watashi), Edo (Japanese period)
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