Curator's notes: Awa Province Naruto Rapids is a woodblock print created by the Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige. The print is part of his series "Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces," which depicts various landscapes and landmarks throughout Japan. The print depicts the Naruto Rapids, a narrow channel of water located in the Awa Province (now known as Tokushima Prefecture) on the island of Shikoku. The rapids are known for their strong currents and were often used as a test of skill for boatmen. The print shows a boat navigating the rapids, with the rocky cliffs and lush vegetation of the surrounding area in the background. Utagawa Hiroshige was known for his detailed and accurate depictions of landscapes and this print is considered one of his masterpieces.
Curator's notes: The Great Wave off Kanagawa is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. It is considered one of the most iconic and recognizable works of Japanese art, and is part of the series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji." The print depicts a large wave towering over boats and sailors, with Mount Fuji in the background. The Great Wave is known for its dynamic composition, with the wave itself being the focal point. The wave's shape and the lines used to create it give the impression of movement and power, while the small boats and figures in the foreground provide a sense of scale and vulnerability. The colors used in the print are mostly blue and white, which adds to the sense of depth and movement. The Great Wave off Kanagawa is considered to be one of the most famous and widely reproduced images of Japan and Hokusai's work.
Curator's notes: "The Sea off Satta in Suruga Province" is a breathtaking print created by the renowned artist Utagawa Hiroshige I. It depicts a stunning seascape of the Satta coastline located in the Suruga Province of Japan. The print showcases the tumultuous waves of the ocean, with their frothy crests and deep troughs, as they crash against the rocky shoreline. The sky above is painted in a riot of colors, with hues of orange and pink blending seamlessly with the deep blue of the sea. The sun hangs low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the entire scene, imbuing it with a sense of serenity and tranquility. The print is a masterful representation of the beauty and power of nature, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who behold it.
Curator's notes: The print Nenokuchi Lake Towada by Kawase Hasui is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Kawase Hasui. The lake is calm and peaceful, and the sky is a beautiful orange. The print is dominated by the lake, which takes up most of the space. The water is rendered in shades of blue and green, and it reflects the setting sun in a fiery glow. The tree branch is in the foreground, and it provides a sense of scale to the print. The print is a beautiful and serene depiction of nature, and it captures the beauty of Lake Towada at sunset.