Upcoming Exhibits

Modernity and Nostalgia: Woodblock Prints by Toyohara (Yōshū) Chikanobu
November 2, 2010 - February 20, 2011

Toyohara (Yōshū) Chikanobu was one of the last great ukiyo-e print designers. He produced images of the kabuki stage, beautiful women, and historical and legendary events, and also illustrated murders and other sensational news of the day and chronicled the modernization of Japanese society in the late 19th century. The exhibition at Morikami presents 60 single-sheet and triptych prints from this prolific artist on subjects ranging from customs and manners of Japanese women to the Sino-Japanese War to nostalgic representations of the recently ended feudalistic Edo Period. A series of prints for which the artist is well known imaginatively portrays the lifestyle of the Meiji Emperor and his family, depicting scenes Chikanobu never saw but was able to imbue with tremendous authority and veracity. The exhibit was organized by the Ruth Chandler Williamston Gallery at Scripps College in Claremont, California, and is accompanied by a full-color illustrated catalog available at the Museum Store.