Hiroshige: The Open Road's Captivating Journey – A Rapturous Exhibition

This display marks quite an occasion, according to Alastair Sooke. The Daily Telegraph It marks the first time in this nation for 25 years that such extensive celebrations have been held for the celebrated Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858). This graphic virtuoso left an indelible mark on art scenes well outside of Japan with his creations. Originating from a humble samurai lineage in Edo, which we now call Tokyo, Hiroshige gained fame through his lyrical and evocative color woodblock prints.

Similar to other artists from the “floating world” (an indulgent urban existence), he produced artworks featuring bijin (attractive ladies), performers, and bustling streetscapes before venturing into landscapes—a category where he played an instrumental role in rejuvenation. He gained recognition through a collection showcasing the Tokaido, the shoreline route linking Edo and Kyoto. These prints circulated extensively and ultimately reached European audiences. This exhibition highlights nearly 120 pieces including both prints and paintings, brimming with captivating depictions of Japan’s breathtaking vistas, all reflecting his distinctive aesthetic approach evident throughout.

"Hiroshige lived during tumultuous times, right before Japan’s openness to the Western world," noted Mark Hudson. The Independent Nevertheless, there was an upsurge in domestic travel during this period, leading to increased interest in guidebooks and depictions of religious journeys or scenic excursions. As a professional illustrator, much of his work—such as scenes depicting throngs surging onto bridges en route to renowned sanctuaries or twirling umbrellas at well-known landmarks—was fundamentally aimed at tourists. Despite being designed with these practical purposes in mind, they remain breathtakingly beautiful. The fact that he achieved such impressive results utilising woodblock printing—a particularly challenging method—only adds to their significance. His approach involved tailoring his compositions to highlight the potential offered by his chosen medium, employing striking and largely abstract visual elements to depict nature’s wonders: for example, the depiction of illuminated plumes wafting against shadowy mountain ranges in Karuizawa (c. 1830) were realised primarily through negative space. These creations significantly influenced artistic trends in Europe.

Jonathan Jones suggested that Western artists drew more than just style inspirations from Hiroshige. The Guardian The Impressionists clearly adopted a complete “philosophy” from him: one that emphasises relishing “the joy found within fleeting instances” and embracing “small liberties”. In Hiroshige’s artworks, we observe individuals reveling in ephemeral experiences ranging from “drizzling rain or newly fallen snow” all the way through to dining at restaurants or attending theatrical performances. We glimpse groups bundled warmly against wintry weather observing cascading snowfall, whilst another scene captures throngs partaking in an open-air feast along a dry stream bed, their laughter echoing amidst merriment—a tableau that eerily foreshadows Edouard Manet's painting 'Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe'. Given how evident Europe’s artistic indebtedness towards Hiroshige appears, the concluding segment dedicated to his worldwide impact seems somewhat hurried and underdeveloped. Nonetheless, this is a truly enchanting exhibit brimming with visuals that retain both contemporaneity and timelessness.

British Museum, London WC1. Closes on 7 September.

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