10th Anniversary of Inscription, Fujisan – A World Heritage Site “Fujisan in Ukiyo-e” produced by modern artisans

2023.06.06

In June 2013, Fujisan (Mt. Fuji) was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site for its reputation as a sacred place and source of artistic inspiration. In particular, ukiyo-e prints by Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige allowed the majestic form of Fujisan to be known around the world and had an outstanding impact on the development of Western art.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the registration of Fujisan as a World Cultural Heritage Site, the Adachi Foundation will hold a special exhibition entitled “10th Anniversary of Inscription, Fujisan – A World Heritage Site / ‘Fujisan in Ukiyo-e’ produced by modern artisans” at our Mejiro Showroom (Tokyo) from June 20 (Tue.) to August 12 (Sat.), 2023. We will introduce the allure of Fujisan in ukiyo-e, incorporating Adachi’s unique point of view as a producer of woodcut prints.

Also on display during the exhibition will be the series “Mt. Fuji in Seven Colours” by avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama. Kusama painted the World Heritage site Fujisan and created the woodcut prints working with contemporary artisans.

Part1.　“Fujisan in Ukiyo-e”
　　　　Deep impact on the development of Western art

Ukiyo-e is a form of art that vividly reflects the social conditions and trends of the time. There was a trend behind the popularity of ukiyo-e prints depicting Fujisan as well. Featuring works such as Katsushika Hokusai’s “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” and Utagawa Hiroshige’s “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,” we will reflect on the popularity of “Fujisan in ukiyo-e” through vividly colored ukiyo-e reproductions created by carvers and printers at the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints.

Part2.　Techniques of traditional woodcut printing
　　　　produce “Fujisan in Ukiyo-e”

“In particular the wood block prints of Katsushika Hokusai, such as the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, had a profound impact on Western art in the 19th century and allowed the form of Fujisan to become widely known as the symbol of ‘Oriental’ Japan.” This is a comment from when Fujisan was registered as a World Heritage Site. Ukiyo-e made Fujisan known to the world and had a great influence on the development of Western painting. Among them, “Fine Wind, Clear Weather (Gaifû kaisei),” also known as “Red Fuji,” was received with surprise by Westerners as a symbol of the beauty of omission. The printing technology that created ukiyo-e has developed independently as a technology for commercial printing. We will introduce traditional woodcut printing techniques through the tools and the production process.

Part3.　“Fujisan, source of artistic inspiration”
　　　　Yayoi Kusama and contemporary ukiyo-e, “Mt. Fuji in Seven Colours”

Since ancient times, Fujisan has been loved as the “source of artistic inspiration,” and even today, it continues to serve as a motif for many artists.
As a special exhibit for this occasion, the series “Mt. Fuji in Seven Colours” by avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama will be on display during the exhibition. In 2014, Kusama painted Fujisan and created the prints working with contemporary artisans at the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints.

Event Information

(1) Demonstration of printing
Schedule: July 22 (Sat.) from 10 a.m.
Capacity: 25 persons

(2) [For parents and children] Printing demonstration & experience
Schedule: July 22 (Sat.) from 1:30 p.m.
Capacity: 15 pairs

(3) Gallery talk session & printing experience
Schedule: July 29 (Sat.) and August 11 (Fri., holiday),
① from 11 a.m. ② from 2 p.m.
Capacity: 10 persons for each session

Application
Participants will be selected by lottery. Please access the application form from the URL below and apply by July 10 (Mon.).
Lottery results will be announced on July 12 (Wed.).
*All sessions in Japanese
https://forms.gle/iycVqbMZyXMeFH4h8