Tagawaya in Front of Daionji Temple by Utagawa Hiroshige

Tagawaya in Front of Daionji Temple c. 1838 - 1840

print, ink, color-on-paper

toned paper

water colours

print

street art

japan

mural art

handmade artwork painting

paste-up

ink

color-on-paper

wall painting

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

"Tagawaya in Front of Daionji Temple" is a woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige, a leading artist of the ukiyo-e style, depicting a nighttime scene at a temple in Japan. Created around 1838-1840, the print features a group of people gathered near the temple, with buildings and trees surrounding them. This horizontal "ōban" print showcases Hiroshige's mastery of perspective and composition, emphasizing the serene atmosphere of the scene. The use of vibrant colors and detailed brushstrokes bring life to the figures, landscape, and architectural elements, showcasing a key work from the Edo period.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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By the late 18th century, a thriving culinary culture had emerged in Edo that catered to the city's wealthy residents. By the 1830s, printed guides ranking the best restaurants were published regularly and avidly read by food enthusiasts. In addition, restaurants became meeting places for the members of poetry societies and other cultural groups because their members were already regular patrons of popular chefs. This print, from a set of thirty by Hiroshige depicting the top restaurants in Edo, shows visitors leaving an establishment called Tagawaya. A man wearing a dark yellow jacket who seems to be drunk is leaving the restaurant together with his friend who holds a white towel to his forehead. Since the restaurant was located right by the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter, a prostitute, shown dressed in the purple gown, is in the party.