The silhouette of a white lute is overlaid with woodcut images of three musicians. The lute is centered on a dark blue background embellished with orange and white flowers and leaves.

Illustration by Shuixin Wang (RISD BFA 2023, Graphic Design)

Introduction

Striking Chords

Music in Ukiyo-e Prints

February 5 - July 31, 2022

The music that permeated Japanese society during the Edo period (1615–1868) is vividly captured in these 14 ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Ukiyo-e, which means “pictures of the floating world,” depicted the leisurely pursuits of townspeople during this period. These selections, curated by students in the RISD class Ukiyo-e Prints (THAD-H791-01, Fall 2021), feature music within the contexts of celebrations, entertainment, literature, and travel.

RISD Museum is supported by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and with the generous partnership of the Rhode Island School of Design, its Board of Trustees, and Museum Governors.