Especially if you have an appreciation for the macabre!
Utagawa Kuniyoshi is responsible for some of the most iconic ukiyo-e pieces ever created, and you’ve likely seen his work even if you don’t recognize his name. Even though he passed away over a 150 years ago, his art still resonates with contemporary audiences, perhaps due to its colorful and often whimsical nature, such as “An Imaginary Scene of the Origin of the Cat Stone at Okabe, from the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” pictured below.
The ukiyo-e print is currently owned by the Museum of Fine Arts Boston but will be on exhibit in Japan from March 19 to June 5 at the Bunkamura Museum of Art in Shibuya along with select pieces from Utagawa Kunisada, who was one of Kuniyoshi’s contemporaries and another uikiyo-e master. And where there’s a special exhibit, you are also sure to find limited-edition items, like this miniature figure of the dancing cat from the above print. It’s perfect for anyone who loves cats, dancing, or ukiyo-e!
▼ Or anyone who appreciates a bit of whimsy.
Another of Kuniyoshi’s famous works is his depiction of Nozarashi Gosuke, one of Japan’s “Robin Hoods.” Two miniature figures are being made based on this print as well!
First, we have the sandal hanging off Nozarashi’s sword. Unlike a normal sandal, which you might find covered in sand on a beach, this one seems to bear the face of a skull.
▼ Finally! Footwear for surf-loving goths!
But even more ultra goth (and awesome) is the “cat skull” print on Nozarashi’s jacket. We never thought we’d want one of those hanging off our cell phones, but now that that these miniature figures exist, we’re not sure we want anything else dangling from our phones!
▼ Cute and gruesome!
In addition to the miniature figures, you’ll also be able to buy magnets bearing images of some of Kuniyoshi’s most famous ukiyo-e prints, like the Skeleton Spectre and “Oh, ouch!/Giant Octopus from the Nameri River in Etchû” picture below. There will also be magnets available with images of prints by Kunisada.
▼ Wait, how did the giant octopus even get up the river?
The miniature figures will be priced at 400 yen (US$3.50) each and the magnets are 200 yen ($1.75) a piece. All items will be available on March 19 when the exhibit opens. Even if you’re not interested in the goodies, you still won’t want to miss this collection of works by Kuniyoshi and Kunisada!
Exhibit Information
The Bunkamura Museum of Art
Address: 2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8507
東京都渋谷区道玄坂２丁目２４−１
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission at 6:30 p.m.) Sunday through Thursday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last admission 8:30 p.m.) Friday and Saturday
Admission: 1,500 yen ($) for adults/1,000 yen ($) for college and high school students/700 yen ($) for junior high and elementary school students
Phone number: 03-3477-9111
Website
Source: Japaaan, Kitan Club
Images: Kitan Club (unless otherwise noted)