October 15, 2025 - January 05, 2026
Hiroshige
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, United States
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Hiroshige
20
Basic Art Series
Hiroshige was one of the last great artists of ukiyo-e, the woodblock print genre that flourished between the 17th and 19th century and did much to determine the world’s visual concept of Japan. This dependable introduction leads you through the blossoming cherry trees, beautiful women, and dramatic ocean views that made Hiroshige a household name and became exemplary of Japonisme.
Hardcover, 8.3 x 10.2 in., 1.38 lb, 96 pages
“Some of the greatest prints in the history of art.”
Hiroshige
20Orient Expressed
The master of Japanese ukiyo-e
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 was a particular woodblock print genre of art that flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries. Subjects ranged from the bright lights and attractions of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), to spectacular natural landscapes.
In the West, Hiroshige’s prints became exemplary of the Japonisme that swept through Europe and defined the Western world’s visual idea of Japan. Because they could be mass produced, ukiyo-e works were often used as designs for fans, greeting cards, and book illustrations. The style influenced Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveau artists alike, with Vincent van Gogh and James Abbott McNeill Whistler both particularly inspired by Hiroshige’s landscapes.
This introductory book presents key images from Hiroshige’s vibrant, vivid portfolio of blooming cherry trees, beautiful women, Kabuki actors, and busy shopping streets to introduce one of the greats of Asian art history.
In the West, Hiroshige’s prints became exemplary of the Japonisme that swept through Europe and defined the Western world’s visual idea of Japan. Because they could be mass produced, ukiyo-e works were often used as designs for fans, greeting cards, and book illustrations. The style influenced Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveau artists alike, with Vincent van Gogh and James Abbott McNeill Whistler both particularly inspired by Hiroshige’s landscapes.
This introductory book presents key images from Hiroshige’s vibrant, vivid portfolio of blooming cherry trees, beautiful women, Kabuki actors, and busy shopping streets to introduce one of the greats of Asian art history.
The author
Adele Schlombs studied Sinology, East Asian art history, European art history, and comparative religious studies at Cologne and Heidelberg Universities. From 1984 to 1987 she studied at Kyoto University and gained her doctorate in 1989 at Heidelberg University. In 1991, she took over the directorship of the Museum of East Asian Art in Cologne and since then she has organized numerous loan exhibitions of Japanese and Chinese art.
Hiroshige
Hardcover, 21 x 26 cm, 0.63 kg, 96 pagesISBN 978-3-8365-1963-2
Edition: EnglishDownload product images here
Born back in 1985, the Basic Art Series has evolved into the best-selling art book collection ever published. Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Art series features:
• a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance
• a concise biography
• approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions
5
Recommended
October 27, 2021
Recommended book for fans of Japanese artA book showcasing Hiroshige's influential work
October 27, 2021
For those interested in ukiyo-e, this book is for you! Hiroshige's series of woodblock prints capture the beauty of Japan from women, scenes/landscape to citizens. Hiroshige's work has influenced many, and this is an enjoyable book. This book is ideal for ukiyo-e fans and Japanese art lovers.Étonnant
October 27, 2021
Un artiste que je ne connaissais pas et que j'ai découvert avec beaucoup de plaisir.Étonnant
October 27, 2021
Un artiste que je ne connaissais pas et que j'ai découvert avec beaucoup de plaisir.