Exquisite rendering of rain
This is another exceptional work by Hiroshige that inspired a van Gogh reproduction. The work depicts people scurrying back and forth across a bridge in the driving rain, as viewed from an angle, and demonstrates an impressive ability to evoke empathy. Atakebune warships would anchor at this spot before being disassembled and used to make burial mounds, which is the origin of the place name Atake.
The dark clouds at the top of the picture are produced using a technique called atenashibokashi, where the artist paints freehand onto the flat plate with a brush rather than carving into the woodblock. This is an extremely challenging technique that only an experienced artist could use.
* The techniques and methods used to produce this work have remained unchanged since the Edo period. The Edo Woodblock brand of traditional multi-colour woodblock prints has been recognized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a Nationally Designated Traditional Craft Product and a Tokyo Traditional Craft Product.
Takahashi Kobo
https://takahashi-kobo.com/english/
Founded during the Ansei period (1854-1860), Takahashi Kobo has been making woodblock prints for approximately 160 years, since the Edo period (1603-1867). Originally working as Surishi (the artisans who colour the woodblocks and print the final image) on Edo woodblock prints, the Takahashi family began publishing prints after their fourth generation took over. "The work of woodblock printing is the root of Japanese printing. From temple school textbooks to ukiyo-e prints and wrapping paper, Japanese printing has always been supported by the technique of woodblock printing," says Yukiko Takahashi, the sixth generation of the Takahashi family.
During the Edo period, ukiyo-e prints served the purpose of informative magazines. For example, in the image of a beautiful woman, fashion trends of the time such as the design of the kimono and furniture, hairstyle, and hand fan, were all depicted in meticulous detail. The artistic value of ukiyo-e is such that it is now recognized globally.
Currently, Takahashi Kobo prints a wide variety of themes using woodblock, from traditional ukiyo-e to modern art. Furthermore, Takahashi produces merchandise sold at museum exhibitions and also holds lectures, demonstrations, and workshops by artisans at museums and schools. Such initiatives, which give new life to the culture of Edo woodblock prints by sharing and experiencing of the history and techniques associated them, have been highly popular and more and more offers have been coming from overseas recently, such as from Paris and London.
However, Takahashi says, "Ukiyo-e prints remain the base of woodblock prints. As we make use of this rich tradition and culture, I would like to use all five senses to capture current trends, embody them, and use them to produce works that suit contemporary lifestyles."
