Exhibition
Edo’s Floating World
FREE
DATES
Fri 24 Jan 2025 - Sun 16 Mar 2025

Step back in time to the bustling entertainment district of Edo, Japan, through this display of Japanese woodblock prints from our collection.
Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” is a Japanese art form that flourished during the Tokugawa period (1603-1868), offering a window into the vibrant culture of the time. Kabuki theatre, with its mesmerizing blend of dance, music, and stylized drama, was an extremely popular form of entertainment in Edo (now known as Tokyo) and other major cities.
Audiences were captivated, and the demand for mementos featuring their favourite actors soared. Printmakers like Utagawa Kunisada and Toyohara Kunichika rose to fame, creating stunning portraits and dramatic scenes that captured the essence of kabuki. This exhibition showcases their artistry alongside four other talented printmakers.
DATES
Fri 24 Jan 2025 - Sun 16 Mar 2025