Hiroshige and the fan: a journey to 19th century Japan with the sublime exhibition at the Musée Guimet

An exceptional collection of prints by Utagawa Hiroshige is presented at the Musée Guimet, from February 15 to May 29, 2023. These paintings, created between 1830 and 1850, were intended to decorate fans, an essential accessory for the Japanese of the 19th century. The Musée Guimet is therefore highlighting these magnificent works by the master Hiroshige, through the exhibition Hiroshige and the Fan - Journey into 19th Century Japan.

The prints presented for this occasion come from the Georges Leskowicz collection, and are among the most delicate and rare works of Hiroshige. The famous Japanese artist knew how to sublimate the landscapes of the city of Edo, the Japanese provinces, the historical scenes, the animals, the flowers or the people who surrounded him, creating sublime compositions, full of meaning and hidden meanings.

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Apopular and seasonalaccessory, the fan is a medium of choice for this prolific artist. Hiroshige made over 650 prints to decorate fans. Unfortunately, these objects were fragile and disposable: few fans have survived. The pieces in this exhibition are therefore absolutely priceless!

More than 90 works are gathered for this exhibition, revealing the artist's favorite themes, his creativity and imagination, as well as his technique that has been admired for centuries.

We admire in particular prints representing the famous places of Edo (the current Tokyo). One can also see different views of the country, from the countryside to the seaside, passing by religious places and times. There are many references to theater or literature in Hiroshige's compositions, as well as important symbols of nature, which always take a prominent place in the scenes painted by the artist.

The Musée Guimet has assembled some exceptional pieces, in an admirable state of preservation given the fragility of the supports. These images on display represent traditional Japan, the one that makes us dream. We learn as much about the great master Hiroshige as about the art and uses of the fan, an indispensable accessory of the time. It is a whole society that is revealed through this object of common appearance! One can only be charmed by these delicate drawings, and the stories they represent.

Don't miss this very beautiful and original exhibition!