Windows into a Vanished World
The art form of Japanese woodblock prints is called Ukiyoe, or the Floating World. For two centuries skilled artists and their assistants created woodblock prints of great beauty that evoke the land and people of Edo-era Japan in detail.
You probably already know these two, by Hokusai (unless you live under a rock)...
Katsushika Hokusai, c 1830-32. Top: The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Bottom: South Wind, Clear Sky; aka The Red Fuji.
Hokusai is known for the beauty of his natural landscapes, like the 36 views of Mount Fuji. But he, and most other wood block print artists, usually showed everyday life.
Utagawa Hiroshige. Villagers walk through snow in the late afternoon. You can hear the muffled squeak of their footsteps. The two men have just walked through the storm and are covered with snow.
Utagawa Hiroshige. A man chases his hat on a windy day at Yokkaichi, 1833-6. The other guy is holding his cloak and chin string tight. I love this artist.
The Delicious World: "Oishii Ukiyoe"
The many prints showing people enjoying life while munching down are absolutely delightful...
Utagawa Kunisada Eastern Genji's Cherry-blossom Banquet, 1856. People would celebrate the beauties of spring blossoms with snazzy picnics of tasty food and music while wearing their nice robes.
The aesthetic of Yum.
The tradition of food combined with art continues, even in humble restaurants. A couple of weeks ago at Osaka Kansai airport I was served this plate of sushi, alive with vibrant colors, textures, and compositions. Businessmen were snarfing up sushi all around me.
Pinks, reds, delicate greens and yellows, and deep greens make this dish a feast for the eyes, too!
A small piece of crab cake with daikon, yuzu peel, and wild greens, in clear broth.
My attempt at a simple haiku:
Taste the Floating World
On a plate and in a bowl.
Itadakimasu!
(Haiku pointer: The last word means, roughly, 'bon appetit! The 'u' in 'masu' is never pronounced so this is actually 5 syllables.)
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