March 19-June 5
Ukiyo-e prints were once the equivalent of today's TV shows and magazines. During the Edo Period (1603- 1868), they often illustrated kabuki theater stars and portrayed the latest fashion trends, even at times serving as cosmetics catalogs or tourist guidebooks. This special exhibition focuses on two ukiyo-e masters — Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) and Kunisada Utagawa (1786-1864) — through 170 works on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
The history, context and execution of traditional ukiyo-e is complex. For this show, however, The Bunkamura Museum of Art suggests visitors simply enjoy the pieces in the same way that they were originally conceived: as entertainment.
The Bunkamura Museum of Art; 2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Shibuya Stn. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Fri., Sat. until 9 p.m.). ¥1,500. 03-5777-8600; www.bunkamura.co.jp/english
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