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Hiroshige
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) was one of the last great artists in the ukiyo-e tradition. Literally meaning "pictures of the floating world", ukiyo-e refers to the famous Japanese woodblock print genre that originated in the 17th century and is practically synonymous with the Western world's visual characterization of Japan. Though Hiroshige captured a variety of subjects, his greatest talent was in creating landscapes of his native Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and his most famous work was a series known as "100 Famous Views of Edo" (1856-1858). This book provides an introduction to his work and an overview of his career.Available in over 20 languages, Tachen's "Basic Art series" offers budget-minded readers quality books on the greatest artists of all time. The neat, slick format and nice price tag make "Basic Art" books perfect for collecting.Every book in the "Basic Art series" a detailed chronological summary of the artist's life and work, covering the cultural and historical importance of the artist; approximately 100 color illustrations with explanatory captions; and, a concise biography.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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January 16, 2026
Hiroshige, in full Andō Hiroshige, professional names Utagawa Hiroshige and Ichiyūsai Hiroshige, original name Andō Tokutarō (born 1797, Edo [now Tokyo], Japan—died October 12, 1858, Edo), was a Japanese artist, one of the last great ukiyo-e (“pictures of the floating world”) masters of the colour woodblock print. His genius for landscape compositions was first recognized in the West by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. His print series Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō (1833–34) is perhaps his finest achievement.
Hiroshige was the son of Andō Genemon, warden of the Edo fire brigade. Various episodes indicate that the young Hiroshige was fond of sketching and was probably tutored by a firefighter who had studied under a master of the traditional Kanō school of painting. In the spring of 1809, when Hiroshige was 12, his mother died. Shortly after, his father resigned his post, passing it on to his son. Early the following year, his father died as well. Hiroshige’s actual daily duties as a fire warden were minimal, and his wages were small.
Undoubtedly, these factors, plus his natural bent for art, eventually led him to enter, about 1811, the school of the ukiyo-e master Utagawa Toyohiro. Hiroshige is said to have first applied to the school of the more famous artist Utagawa Toyokuni, a confrere of Toyohiro. Had Hiroshige been accepted as a pupil by Toyokuni, he might well have ended his days as a second-rate imitator of that artist’s gaudy prints of girls and actors. Instead, it was doubtless the more modest and refined taste of Toyohiro that helped form Hiroshige’s style—and led his genius eventually to find full expression in the new genre of the landscape print.
Although receiving an artist name and a school license at the early age of 15, Hiroshige was no child prodigy, and it was not until 1818, six years later, that his first published work appeared. In the field of book illustration, it bore the signature Ichiyūsai Hiroshige. No earlier signed works are extant, but it is likely that, during this student period, Hiroshige did odd jobs (e.g., inexpensive fan paintings) for the Toyohiro studio and also studied. On his own, the Chinese-influenced Kanō style and the impressionistic Shijō style—both of which were to influence his later work strongly.
As soon as he was able, Hiroshige transferred the post of fire warden to his son and devoted himself to his art. Unfortunately, as is customary with artists of the plebeian ukiyo-e school, early biographical material regarding Hiroshige is scarce: he and his confreres were considered to be only artisans by the Japanese society of the time, and, although their works were widely enjoyed and sometimes even treasured, there was little interest in the personal details of their careers. Thus, we must trace Hiroshige’s adult years primarily through his works.
Hiroshige’s artistic life may be characterized in several stages. The first was his student period, from about 1811 to 1830, when he essentially followed the work of his elders in the field of figure prints—girls, actors, and samurai (warriors). The second was his first landscape period, from 1830 to about 1844. Finally, when he created his romantic ideal of landscape design and bird-and-flower prints, his last stage was his later period of landscape and figure-with-landscape designs, from 1844 to 1858, during which over-popularity and deluge tended to diminish the quality of his work.
Hiroshige’s great talent developed in the 1830s. In 1832, he made a trip between Edo and Kyōto along the famed Tōkaidō highway; he stayed at the 53 overnight stations and made numerous sketches of everything he saw. He published a series of 55 landscape prints titled Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō—one for each station and the beginning of the highway and the arrival in Kyōto. The success of this series was immediate, making Hiroshige one of the most popular ukiyo-e artists of all time. He made numerous other journeys within Japan and issued such series of prints as Famous Places in Kyōto (1834), Eight Views of Lake Biwa (1835), Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō (c. 1837), and One Hundred Views of Edo (1856–58). He repeatedly executed new designs of the 53 Tōkaidō views, drawing on his unused sketches from previous years.
It is estimated that Hiroshige created more than 5,000 prints and made as many as 10,000 copies from some of his woodblocks. Hokusai, Hiroshige’s early contemporary, was the innovator of the pure landscape print. Hiroshige, who followed him, was a less striking artistic personality but frequently achieved masterpieces of equal stature in his calm manner. By reducing the pictured scene to a few simple, highly decorative elements, Hiroshige captured the essence of what he saw and turned it into a highly effective composition. In addition, there was a human touch that no artist of the school had previously achieved; his pictures revealed a beauty that seemed somehow tangible and intimate. Snow, rain, mist, and moonlight scenes compose some of his most poetic masterpieces.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/...
Hiroshige was the son of Andō Genemon, warden of the Edo fire brigade. Various episodes indicate that the young Hiroshige was fond of sketching and was probably tutored by a firefighter who had studied under a master of the traditional Kanō school of painting. In the spring of 1809, when Hiroshige was 12, his mother died. Shortly after, his father resigned his post, passing it on to his son. Early the following year, his father died as well. Hiroshige’s actual daily duties as a fire warden were minimal, and his wages were small.
Undoubtedly, these factors, plus his natural bent for art, eventually led him to enter, about 1811, the school of the ukiyo-e master Utagawa Toyohiro. Hiroshige is said to have first applied to the school of the more famous artist Utagawa Toyokuni, a confrere of Toyohiro. Had Hiroshige been accepted as a pupil by Toyokuni, he might well have ended his days as a second-rate imitator of that artist’s gaudy prints of girls and actors. Instead, it was doubtless the more modest and refined taste of Toyohiro that helped form Hiroshige’s style—and led his genius eventually to find full expression in the new genre of the landscape print.
Although receiving an artist name and a school license at the early age of 15, Hiroshige was no child prodigy, and it was not until 1818, six years later, that his first published work appeared. In the field of book illustration, it bore the signature Ichiyūsai Hiroshige. No earlier signed works are extant, but it is likely that, during this student period, Hiroshige did odd jobs (e.g., inexpensive fan paintings) for the Toyohiro studio and also studied. On his own, the Chinese-influenced Kanō style and the impressionistic Shijō style—both of which were to influence his later work strongly.
As soon as he was able, Hiroshige transferred the post of fire warden to his son and devoted himself to his art. Unfortunately, as is customary with artists of the plebeian ukiyo-e school, early biographical material regarding Hiroshige is scarce: he and his confreres were considered to be only artisans by the Japanese society of the time, and, although their works were widely enjoyed and sometimes even treasured, there was little interest in the personal details of their careers. Thus, we must trace Hiroshige’s adult years primarily through his works.
Hiroshige’s artistic life may be characterized in several stages. The first was his student period, from about 1811 to 1830, when he essentially followed the work of his elders in the field of figure prints—girls, actors, and samurai (warriors). The second was his first landscape period, from 1830 to about 1844. Finally, when he created his romantic ideal of landscape design and bird-and-flower prints, his last stage was his later period of landscape and figure-with-landscape designs, from 1844 to 1858, during which over-popularity and deluge tended to diminish the quality of his work.
Hiroshige’s great talent developed in the 1830s. In 1832, he made a trip between Edo and Kyōto along the famed Tōkaidō highway; he stayed at the 53 overnight stations and made numerous sketches of everything he saw. He published a series of 55 landscape prints titled Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō—one for each station and the beginning of the highway and the arrival in Kyōto. The success of this series was immediate, making Hiroshige one of the most popular ukiyo-e artists of all time. He made numerous other journeys within Japan and issued such series of prints as Famous Places in Kyōto (1834), Eight Views of Lake Biwa (1835), Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō (c. 1837), and One Hundred Views of Edo (1856–58). He repeatedly executed new designs of the 53 Tōkaidō views, drawing on his unused sketches from previous years.
It is estimated that Hiroshige created more than 5,000 prints and made as many as 10,000 copies from some of his woodblocks. Hokusai, Hiroshige’s early contemporary, was the innovator of the pure landscape print. Hiroshige, who followed him, was a less striking artistic personality but frequently achieved masterpieces of equal stature in his calm manner. By reducing the pictured scene to a few simple, highly decorative elements, Hiroshige captured the essence of what he saw and turned it into a highly effective composition. In addition, there was a human touch that no artist of the school had previously achieved; his pictures revealed a beauty that seemed somehow tangible and intimate. Snow, rain, mist, and moonlight scenes compose some of his most poetic masterpieces.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/...
January 6, 2022
"The term ukiyo-e means, literally, "pictures of a floating transitory world". It is derived from the Buddhist idea of the illusory and futile character of worldly existence."
From HIROSHIGE 1797-1858: Master of Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints by Adele Schlombs, translated from the German (Germany) by Michael Scuffil, published by @taschen, 2007.
Ichiryūsai Hiroshige is one of the 19th-century masters of ukiyo-e, the name used for woodblock print artwork. Like Hokusai, his work focuses specifically on landscapes and nature, but also depicts people in motion - walking in town, watching theater, eating and drinking. He uses perspective in new ways, often taking a bird's-eye view, or using unusual viewpoints.
His defining collection *53 stations of the Tokaidō* showcases the beauty of the Japanese landscape, the textures of wind and water, the meticulous dress and ornamentation of the samurai and the geishas, the laborers in the field, their animals.
I liked the inclusion of his later "sketches", satircal cartoons, and caricatures that show Hiroshige's own role as a forefather of modern manga. Slapstick style highjinks, pranks, etc. It's fun and cute.
Also liked the last chapter noting all of Hiroshige's European and American admirers. Clear links between his iconic style and the European impressionism and expressionism. Van Gogh, Whistler, and Manet are all mentioned specifically.
I am thinking of an art print for my house ... Just to choose which one...
Taschen's art books are always a treat - Full color spreads, detailed captions, and contextual history and collation by Schlombs. This is a slim volume (just 96 pages) but there's so much history and visuals here!
From HIROSHIGE 1797-1858: Master of Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints by Adele Schlombs, translated from the German (Germany) by Michael Scuffil, published by @taschen, 2007.
Ichiryūsai Hiroshige is one of the 19th-century masters of ukiyo-e, the name used for woodblock print artwork. Like Hokusai, his work focuses specifically on landscapes and nature, but also depicts people in motion - walking in town, watching theater, eating and drinking. He uses perspective in new ways, often taking a bird's-eye view, or using unusual viewpoints.
His defining collection *53 stations of the Tokaidō* showcases the beauty of the Japanese landscape, the textures of wind and water, the meticulous dress and ornamentation of the samurai and the geishas, the laborers in the field, their animals.
I liked the inclusion of his later "sketches", satircal cartoons, and caricatures that show Hiroshige's own role as a forefather of modern manga. Slapstick style highjinks, pranks, etc. It's fun and cute.
Also liked the last chapter noting all of Hiroshige's European and American admirers. Clear links between his iconic style and the European impressionism and expressionism. Van Gogh, Whistler, and Manet are all mentioned specifically.
I am thinking of an art print for my house ... Just to choose which one...
Taschen's art books are always a treat - Full color spreads, detailed captions, and contextual history and collation by Schlombs. This is a slim volume (just 96 pages) but there's so much history and visuals here!
July 9, 2024
Lovely little book on a fascinating artist. Taschen have done a great job, producing an affordable book that includes a lot of Hiroshige's works, all in colour, accompanied by an excellent text. You can lose yourself in Hiroshige's works. You can also see the influence Hiroshige has had on manga and anime, not to mention Tintin. A short, introductory work and one that is very good.
January 7, 2024
Книга дуже захопила. В ній мовиться про Хіросіґе, історію Японії в період Едо, вплив європейського мистецтва на укійо-е та вплив укійо-е на європейське мистецтво.
April 13, 2014
An amazing albeit short book about the artist Hiroshige's woodblock prints. Remarkable artistry of the 1820s-1830s of such small detail, but so much can be seen. It is fascinating to see these collections and how much he and others like him influenced European painters. The prints you would think must be fragile all these years later but by the copies in this book must be quite sturdy. The sly sense of humour, the author says "dry", is the most wondrous, in that after reading up on the scenes before you see the pictures you think you know what to expect, but then when you turn the page to the pictures you are even more amazed. All of it is in wonderful symmetry for if this was done in oil painting it would be hard to see the finer details and the depictions would be lost. This book renews any interest in painting and artistry and I would be very interested to know if there is any courses in high school or university in the works of Japanese woodblock prints or any independent study can be made of woodblock prints. I should like to be a student in this Art.
December 28, 2019
This is a great book by Adele Schlombs and TASCHEN. The author has done a thoroughful analysis, providing information not only about Utagawa Hiroshige's life and work, but also important details about 19th century Japan. The book has plenty of examples of the artist's paintings with enough information about their meaning & composition.
A few things really impressed me:
First, Hiroshige was very productive. According to the book, he produced between 4 000 and 8 000 images, which is a lot.
Second, not only was Hiroshige super productive, but also he didn't limit himself in terms of topics or compositional approaches. He painted almost everything, from landscapes to comics.
Third, the way Japanese Ukio-e paintings affected European art. Manet, Monet, Klimt, Van Gogh and many others studied and collected Japanese art, including Hiroshige's works.
A few things really impressed me:
First, Hiroshige was very productive. According to the book, he produced between 4 000 and 8 000 images, which is a lot.
Second, not only was Hiroshige super productive, but also he didn't limit himself in terms of topics or compositional approaches. He painted almost everything, from landscapes to comics.
Third, the way Japanese Ukio-e paintings affected European art. Manet, Monet, Klimt, Van Gogh and many others studied and collected Japanese art, including Hiroshige's works.
November 5, 2023
Hiroshige created ukyio-e prints (pictures of the floating transitory world) to the full extent of the meaning, as his art utilised great atmosphere and impressionistic compositions of spectacular nature and vibrant cityscapes.
This book is an excellent introduction to Japanese art from the Edo period, providing a good political and social background in a brief way. It also includes a chapter of the technique, which I particularly enjoyed.
This book is an excellent introduction to Japanese art from the Edo period, providing a good political and social background in a brief way. It also includes a chapter of the technique, which I particularly enjoyed.
December 10, 2024
I bought this book after seeing the exhibition of Hiroshige’s Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints series “53 Stations of the Tokaidō” at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Reading this book has been an enriching experience that added a lot of depth to my day at the museum. Loved every page.
Notable fun fact: The term “ukiyo-e” means, literally, “pictures of the floating transitory world.” In view of the shortness and inconsistency of life, the motto was: drift along, enjoy the moment, and address all the senses to transient pleasures.
Beautiful ✨
Notable fun fact: The term “ukiyo-e” means, literally, “pictures of the floating transitory world.” In view of the shortness and inconsistency of life, the motto was: drift along, enjoy the moment, and address all the senses to transient pleasures.
Beautiful ✨
April 14, 2014
I very much enjoyed reading about Hiroshige. His paintings are so visually stunning and it was amazing to see Vincent Van Gogh's copy too. Wood blocks are an amazing art form.
October 7, 2015
Ukiyo-e means, literally, "Pictures of the floating transitory world". As it is quite favourite form of artworks of mine, I greatly enjoyed every bit of this book.
August 19, 2020
Another affordable Taschen art book with high quality prints of the artist's work. Hiroshige is an interesting case, his work is similar to Hokusai in content - landscapes, mountains, oceans, crammed living spaces (seen from a god's eye view vantage point) - but he's less skillful. Hiroshige's best features are his use of colours and unique perspectives to show a fascinating world filled with characters from the lowly eccentric to the beautiful and beautifully-clothed women and men, often sitting with stern or serene looks. But unlike Hokusai, the forays into the grotesque are absent, and, also absent, is the connection I feel with Hokusai's work. With Hiroshige I can love and respect the artistry, but that's where it ends.
Nevertheless, this is a cheaply-priced book that's full of the artists work, and is worth a look.
Nevertheless, this is a cheaply-priced book that's full of the artists work, and is worth a look.
August 19, 2019
I loved this short introduction to the life and work of Hiroshige. My knowledge of his woodcuts had been limited, accept for the fact that I knew he'd inspired the impressionists, until I read this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of Hiroshige but doesn't know where to start. It gives a brief history Japan starting from the 17th century and gives an analysis of how the rule of the Shoguns influenced Hiroshige's work. Schlombs also looks at how Hiroshige used his work to depict urban life in Edo (modern day Japan) and then finishes with his influence on the European art world.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of Hiroshige but doesn't know where to start. It gives a brief history Japan starting from the 17th century and gives an analysis of how the rule of the Shoguns influenced Hiroshige's work. Schlombs also looks at how Hiroshige used his work to depict urban life in Edo (modern day Japan) and then finishes with his influence on the European art world.
August 13, 2021
We don't know much about the life of Hiroshige, Japan's -other- famous woodblock print artist. Like Hokusai, he changed his name multiple times out respect for his teachers, and people just didn't keep records the way other populations did back then.
So, while I didn't learn much about Hiroshige's personal life, I learned enough about the art of woodblock prints to understand just how difficult it was to do it well ... and I understand now why Hiroshige is considered a master of this artform.
This is a book from Taschen so it is lavishly illustrated and easy to get lost in.
This is a good starting point if you have any interest in Japanese woodblock prints!
So, while I didn't learn much about Hiroshige's personal life, I learned enough about the art of woodblock prints to understand just how difficult it was to do it well ... and I understand now why Hiroshige is considered a master of this artform.
This is a book from Taschen so it is lavishly illustrated and easy to get lost in.
This is a good starting point if you have any interest in Japanese woodblock prints!
March 29, 2024
Compré este libro en una visita al museo de Bellas Artes, principalmente porque en la portada tiene La gran ola de Kanagawa, y no existe aficionado de Japón que no la haya visto aunque sea de casualidad. Iba por buen camino cuando el que cobraba me dijo que estaba muy bueno y era muy completo. Y la verdad que tiene razón, el libro te muestra una gran cantidad de obras de Hiroshige, dándote explicaciones de lo que estás viendo, contexto histórico y explicación de la vida del autor. También muestra como su obra influenció a otros pintores como Van Gogh y Monet. Recomiendo muchísimo, incluso para gente que sabe poco de arte como yo.
August 3, 2024
as there is not a lot known about Hiroshige‘s personal life and there are various accounts over wether he actually travelled a lot or not, this book mainly focuses on his work in its context within the Edo period. i don‘t know a lot about japanese history, but this gave me a tiny glimpse into it.
Hiroshige is known for his woodcut prints in the traditional style that was popular around his time. but it is apparent that he was exposed to some western art, since he experimented with central perspective and different styles of shading. his own work in turn had a huge impact on impressionism, inspiring not only van Gogh, but also Monet.
Hiroshige is known for his woodcut prints in the traditional style that was popular around his time. but it is apparent that he was exposed to some western art, since he experimented with central perspective and different styles of shading. his own work in turn had a huge impact on impressionism, inspiring not only van Gogh, but also Monet.
February 6, 2018
Un libro de arte sobre un artista maravilloso. Los textos son comprensibles e interesantes, aunque hay ciertos errores a nivel de edición pero nada mortal.
Hiroshige fue un artista muy prolífico y además sus técnicas y motivos inspiraron a muchos artistas occidentales como Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, entre otros (hechos que desconocía)
Un libro muy ameno también si te interesa la historia y cultura de Japón.
Hiroshige fue un artista muy prolífico y además sus técnicas y motivos inspiraron a muchos artistas occidentales como Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, entre otros (hechos que desconocía)
Un libro muy ameno también si te interesa la historia y cultura de Japón.
June 8, 2018
This book is comprehensive in its presentation of Hiroshige's work, well, at least for a novice such as I. The book is beautiful to read as an art lover and helpful to use as a guide to try out some pen and ink drawings.
January 5, 2021
Muy buen trabajo del editor, sin entrar en mucho detalle biográfico pero tratando numerosos temas de contexto para occidentales y explicando muchas partes de su obra, sus series e incluso la fabricación de las estampas.
May 8, 2022
A wonderful, comprehensive and concise introduction to Hiroshige’s life, art and place in the global arts. The author selects important examples of Hiroshige’s art and explains how they fit in the story of Japan, Japanese art and western Impressionism.
November 14, 2017
Lush colours, incredible depth and astonishing technique. Hiroshige was truly a visionary. Fantastic collection of his artwork. To think I picked up this little gem on a whim...
July 17, 2021
I really dig ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock print). Hiroshige was one of the best. This is a good introduction with lots of full colour reproductions and explanatory text.
November 5, 2023
Great read or just to gaze at and admire the genius of Hiroshige's prints.
April 8, 2024
Muy buen libro que te explica de manera simple el ukiyo e y su impacto en el arte occidental, pero lamentablemente no es un libro biográfico o al menos al nivel de los otros títulos de la colección
January 16, 2026
Lovely illustrated biographie on a fascinating artist
March 21, 2017
A Taschen book, disjointed with sketchy essays. Photos are rudimentary without much definition.
February 26, 2017
Pretty good introduction to the historical timeline of Hiroshige's major works. The book has very high color photos of his works and tries to compare the current events of the time with the work he developed. My favorite chapter was the last chapter in which the author displays the influence Hiroshige had on European artists in the late 1880s. This is certainly a book worth reading if you are interested in Japanese Woodblock Prints.
November 11, 2011
This is a great brief introduction to the life and works of Hiroshige. The presentation is unusual, in that it consists of a series of short essays that are not directly linked to each other. Nonetheless, the cumulative weight of both the words and images included in this volume gives the reader a great overview of who Hiroshige was and what he accomplished with his stellar color prints of Japanese landscapes and people.
May 16, 2012
Hiroshige rules!
This book is a great introduction to the Japanese woodblock artist from the 1800s. The commentary and interpretation on the prints is easy to understand and provides enough depth to get a real sense of the artistry involved. And all the prints are presented in full color.
This book is a great introduction to the Japanese woodblock artist from the 1800s. The commentary and interpretation on the prints is easy to understand and provides enough depth to get a real sense of the artistry involved. And all the prints are presented in full color.
January 7, 2012
Costed R$ 500(the minimum wage at the time) and I have never been happier to buy a book. Still my favorite!
October 30, 2014
For Halloween, on page 74- "where deaths heads gather"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews