Hiroshige: Prints and Drawings

I am a fan of most things Japanese, and recently I have become much more interested in Japanese art, specifically wood block printing (Ukiyo-e). I bought this book based on the high ratings and recommendations posted here to amazon. I have to say that I am impressed beyond belief with the quality of the content in this book. For those newer to wood block printing, there is a tiny bit of information about the process. But the real meat here is the biography on Hiroshige. The first couple of dozen pages deal with Hiroshige and his life and work. The essays include one by Forrster, who is considered an expert in the field and I believe he/she has worked with the Hague. Of course the Dutch were ever present in Japan during the height of the Ukiyo-e movement (in their little outpost near Nagasaki even when Tokugawa closed the borders again), and once Japan was re-opened to the west, they had access. So the Dutch connection makes since (and many of the prints shown in this book are from Dutch collections). The other two essays are from Japanese experts, translated into English. The collection is broken down into different subjects. Each of the pictures of the prints are about a half page (around 3x4 inches, give or take). So they are not huge. But they are not 'tiny' as one review stated. You are still able to look at the prints and get a very good impression of the quality. The resolution is high, so even closer inspections will do justice. Also on each page (most of the prints take up a half page with the remainder of the page given to a description of the print), is the title of the print in both the Japanese romaji and English. If there is a poem on the print there is usually a romaji reading and an English translation. The date of (or estimated date of) the printing is listed as well as the collection the print is currently located in. There is a short paragraph to 1/2 page description of each print, highlighting useful information such as the subject, the quality, and even explanations of the slight errors or blemishes that might appear on the print. The descriptions of the subject really add to the overall enjoyment of the print. For example, one print shows servants preparing their lord's retinue for departure from an inn. The description touches on the elements of the print including the translation of the symbol (probably the lord's household name), to the colors of the lanterns on the print in question and why it is often different on subsequent prints from the same blocks. There is also a map showing many of the locations Hiroshige chose for his subject. There are pictures of two of the wood carvings near the back as well as several concept drawings Hiroshige made of locations before actually carving the blocks. Overall this is a deep and information packed book on Hiroshige with a lot of very good, very high quality copies of his prints. There are many selections from his Edo series, from the views along the two major highways, and several from his fish, bird, and flower series. A fantastic book to add to any Japanese Ukiyo-e fan's library. Or a great book to really introduce someone to the wonderful works of Hiroshige, one of the most highly regarded Ukiyo-e masters of his time.

This book arrived quickly and was in excellent condition. It didn't appear to be used at all. The pictures of the block prints have a lot of detail and the color is very good also. The pictures average in size to about 6.75x4.75. There are some full page pictures included. The book includes a short bio of Hiroshige.

I am not an expert in Japanese block prints, so review of the quality of this book critically is probably not very useful. I am interested in learning more about the period and this art form which is why I purchased this and a few other books. I am enjoying it very much and find it a worthwhile introduction to Hiroshige, especially at the price.

This is an incredibly beautiful art book. I have the paperback. The reproductions are clear, a good size, and the colors are amazing. Hiroshige's eye for composition amazes me. I'm always spellbound by the feeling conveyed with such simple designs and a few basic colors.

Beautiful prints. Wonderfully informative texts accompany each one.

beautiful

I could have judged Matthi Forrer’s “Hiroshige” by its cover (full disclosure: I am a sucker for cobalt blue). Hiroshige has been my favorite Japanese artist since discovering his prints during my earliest trips to Japan in the 1980s. His is the Japan of my mind’s eye, before modernization and the advent of the Ministry of Pavement. I recommend viewing this book in tandem with Adele Schlombs' “Hiroshige” (Taschen) as they could not compliment one another better. Forrer’s “Hiroshige” is based on an exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London and includes an essay by one of the leading Hiroshige scholars. Forrer takes a chronological approach, whereas Taschen's is thematic. The images in Forrer’s “Hiroshige” are larger, more numerous and focus more on landscapes. However, unlike the Taschen volume, Forrer does not include a section on the interaction between Hiroshige and European painters. Monet may have had the largest collection of Hiroshige’s work, but van Gogh is the only one I am aware of who did exact copies of at least two of Hiroshige’s work. Conversely, Hiroshige was influenced by the European Masters. Indeed, the twain were meeting at the very moment when Rudyard Kipling published his “Ballad of East and West.”

This is a great book for those who are into art, and those That like this man's type of STUNNING work. I do not own this book, but I have gotten it from my local Library. For those who enjoy landscape artistry, this is a book you should NOT miss. It explains in great detail what is going on in a particular piece, where it is on display, and more! Very very informative book. It goes into detail on his life, and artwork. HIGHLY recommended to those who love art as a whole, or landscape artistry. Whoo! First review!

Interesante libro. Forrer obviamente gusta mucho de Hiroshige y creo que es el único artista del ukiyoe que realmente le gusta.

Wonderful book, good price, well packed it's terrific.Delivery spot on.

Bought the book a while ago but I the print quality is not the best and the prints that I bought it for were printed especially small (a triptych which only takes a third of a page).