For this extra credit image, I wanted to find another example of a woodblock print with a haiku. Last semester I took the printmaking introduction course, which introduced me to woodblock and linoleum (linocut) prints. It is a tedious and time-consuming process, but worth it in the end. Seeing the art that you took the time to intricately carve out (backwards) is worthwhile and rewarding. I admire haiku poetry and traditional woodblock prints, or ukiyo-e; when they are combined, the results are incredible. The minimalist form of poetry, Haiku, and woodblock printmaking originated during the 17th century. The prints were primarily used for ads and entertainment, but also an important medium of expression for artists. These two mediums of art, poetry, and printmaking, create such an impressive way of capturing the nature of being in the present and fleeting moments (i.e. describing a bird flying, a leaf flying, someone drinking tea, enjoying simple things). This combination reveals the beauty and importance of living in the moment and appreciating the small things in life, as it incorporates a short impactful haiku poem and a pretty visual to have along with it; it truly brings out the meaning of the art piece to life. Although this art form looks so simple, it takes a lot of time, thought, and effort to create and in the end, forms a deep connection with nature and art. Many scenes depict natural life every day in Edo, Japan: like sakura trees blossoming, snowy mountains, pretty landscapes, flowers, animals, the beauty/peace nature produces, theater actors, poses of women, and a wide range of people (including middle-class citizens and samurai’s— sold at low prices to appeal to not just upper-class people), and Japanese mythology. Through these scenes, deep emotions and feelings are simplified into a small poem and captivated by the woodblock print. “Japanese woodblock prints typically featured vibrant colors and were created using multiple blocks. A master artist would create the key block, and a team of assistants would then cut a block for each color used in the print.”. The woodblock print below is by Utagawa(Ando) Hiroshige, who was born in 1797 and died in 1858. He is the son of Ando Genemon, an official firefighter and a part of the class of samurai. Instead of pursuing this occupation, he decided to create woodblock prints and was very successful with his portrayals of everyday landscapes and “Famous Places of the Eastern Capital”, which he produced under a different name (幽斎(Ichiyusai)). After the popularity of these pieces, he decided to focus his attention on post towns, travelers, Mt. Fuji, and a series called “Fifty-Three Stages on the Tokaido”. The name of the woodblock print with ink and color on the paper below is Shiba Atogayama (Mount Atago in Shiba) from the series “Famous Places in Edo” made during the Edo period (10 x 14.5 in.) in Tokyo, Japan, by Utagawa Hiroshige. This scenery is a view of Atogoyama Hill in the Shiba district of Edo, which is now Tokyo. There are temples and buildings, surrounded by people, animals, and trees. The use of color for the structures and nature/sky is visually appealing, as it is made up of light yellow and bright yellow, and blues/greens. It gives off the vibes of a soft dreamy-like perspective. In the center of this print is a large tree in the foreground, along with smaller trees and people (giving it depth and drawing the viewer to look deeper into this piece). I couldn’t find a description or analysis of this print, but this was a popular place, given it is a part of the series and the number of people there, for either locals or even tourists. It seems like an enjoyable place to walk around and admire the architecture. I am not sure what the Japanese characters say on the left and toward the center, but I am pretty sure on the right is his signature ? Regardless, this piece is still very magical on its own and I’m glad I found this 🙂
“Haiku and Ukiyo-e.” Haiku & Ukiyo-e | Museum of Art | Bates College, 15 Apr. 2010, www.bates.edu/museum/education/thousandwordproject/lesson-plans/katherine-cargile-lewiston-middle-school-haiku-and-ukiyo-e.
“Haiku and Ukiyo-e.” Haiku & Ukiyo-e | Museum of Art | Bates College, 15 Apr. 2010, www.bates.edu/museum/education/thousandwordproject/lesson-plans/katherine-cargile-lewiston-middle-school-haiku-and-ukiyo-e.
