From Could 1 to September 7, 2025, the British Museum presents an exhibition specializing in Utagawa Hiroshige and his lasting affect.
Supply: British Museum · Picture: Utagawa Hiroshige, “Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and Atake” (element)
Born right into a humble residence throughout an unsettled time in Japan’s historical past, Utagawa Hiroshige (1797– 1858) went on to grow to be one in all Japan’s most gifted, prolific and well-liked artists.
His calm inventive imaginative and prescient of Japan linked with – and sustained – individuals at each degree of society by means of unsure instances. From modern figures and energetic metropolis views to glimpses of the pure world, Hiroshige captured many facets of Japanese life. Beautiful flower-and-bird prints present Hiroshige’s poetic feeling for nature whereas his evocative landscapes mirrored the rising curiosity in journey throughout Japan and confirmed his world not merely because it was, however the best way it could be.
Possessed of outstanding technical expertise – each as a colourist and draftsman – Hiroshige’s work additionally reveals a sympathetic regard for individuals from all walks of life, and sensitivity to the rhythms of nature.
The exhibition will discover Hiroshige’s artwork and legacy by means of a major present and mortgage of prints from a significant US collector of Hiroshige’s work, in addition to prints, drawings, illustrated books and work from the British Museum assortment, and extra necessary loans.
The exhibition is the primary of Hiroshige to be held on the British Museum and the primary on the artist in London for greater than 1 / 4 of a century.
