Hiroshige: 1797-1858: Master of Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints

This book was a gift for my daughter who is an art major. She was thrilled to receive it!

I bought it new when the price dropped to $7.09 from amazon.com with prime shipping. I have another very nice Hiroshige book  Hiroshige: Prints and Drawings  that includes some very nice prints and a good bio, but I figured why not? And boy was I surprised.This book contains around 95 pages, and though most of the prints are not large, there are a lot of them. Several of the prints are thumbnail sized, others are half page to nearly full page. But this is not truly a 'picture book'. Where this version excels is in the writing. The author does a great job of highlighting the life and work of Hiroshige AND other Ukiyo-E artists of the era. It's truly the comparisons that make this work shine.We are shown, in a later chapter, influences he made on other artists, such as Manet and Van Gogh. These comparisons are not stating "these guys copied Hiroshige" but instead point out some artistic similarities, some resulting in artists like Manet being called 'Japonistic' or the flatter, more 2-d style being labeled 'Japonism'.There are still a good number of his prints in this book, and several from prominent museums that do not appear in other collections. The vast majority of the prints highlighted show people doing something. Which is different than the Prestel book which shows a lot of landscapes or far away images of Edo where you don't really get up close and personal with the people in some of these prints. There are also a number of prints with birds and fish. Again, most are not large, but there is a nice selection included.I would say this is a good book to start with if you are interested in Ukiyo-e. If you are a fan of Hiroshige, then you will surely enjoy it as an addition to your Ukiyo-e library. This is a real treat and a great value.

This is a very beautiful piece of art in itself. The quality of these books are great and the art that Hiroshige has done are striking and a sight to see. I like that in some pages, his paintings fill up both sides of the page, and how it is more centered on the artist’s work rather than the contexts or summaries in long essays. Definitely a nice add to your collection.

Very good condition, and I like it! Thanks for a good book on the Japanese Arts^^

This is an outstanding book worth far more than the asking price!

Great series of artist books offering a general overview of each artist and their work.

I bought this book as a Christmas gift for an art lover, but I had to read it myself, too—if you're looking for a book that will transport you to a world of vibrant beauty and fascinating art history, look no further. This isn't just a coffee table book—it's a portal to Edo-period Japan, seen through the eyes of its master printmaker.A visual masterpiece: Prepare to be mesmerized. Schlombs curates a selection of Hiroshige's most captivating woodblock prints, showcasing the artist's genius for capturing both the bustling energy of city life and the serene beauty of rural landscapes. From the iconic "Sudden Shower Over Great Bridge of Atakegawa" to the delicate cherry blossoms of "Evening Glow over Ryogoku Bridge," each image explodes with rich colors and intricate details. The book does justice to Hiroshige's mastery of light and perspective, making every page a visual feast.Beyond the Brushstrokes: This book isn't just about pretty pictures. Schlombs provides insightful commentary that puts Hiroshige's work into context. We learn about the Ukiyo-e tradition, the cultural significance of his subjects, and how his prints influenced Western artists like Van Gogh and Monet. The comparisons drawn between Hiroshige and his artistic contemporaries are particularly fascinating, highlighting his unique vision and enduring legacy.Gift of Knowledge and Beauty: Whether your recipient is an art history aficionado (like mine) or simply a lover of beautiful things, "Hiroshige" is a surefire hit. It's a book that invites exploration and contemplation, offering hours of visual enjoyment and intellectual stimulation. The high-quality graphics, engaging writing, and informative content make it the perfect gift for someone who appreciates both art and learning.So, give the gift of cultural immersion and aesthetic wonder. "Hiroshige" by Adele Schlombs is a five-star masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on any art lover.Bonus Tip: For an extra touch, consider pairing the book with a framed Hiroshige print or a set of beautiful Japanese teacups. Your recipient will thank you for the thoughtful and enriching experience!

Muy buen libro, muy recomendable

This 95-page medium size book presents a substantial overview of the works of Hiroshige as well as the essential elements of his professional and personal life. His influence on Western artists such as Van Gogh and Whistler is briefly discussed in the last chapter. The text is complemented by high quality illustrations, printed on matte paper, no doubt in the spirit of the artist’s original works.Sadly, the pleasure of reading the book is a bit marred by the all too frequent repetitions, that are not limited to the information provided in the main text and that in the captions. Also, though the book concludes with a three-page synthesis of Hiroshige’s life, there is neither an index nor a bibliography.Still, this Taschen book provides excellent value for the price charged and is recommended to all interested in Japan’s unique culture.

Książka super się mogłaby przyjść w lepszym stanie.

The quality of the book is really good... No stains or tears... Worth the price... The book in terms of its content is also beautiful