Japanese Illustrated Books from Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum

Written by Rodney Hansel Saturday, 20 November 2010 16:29

AMSTERDAM - The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are jointly organizing a presentation entitled Japanese illustrated books from the 17th - 20th century to be held in the print room of the Van Gogh Museum from 12 October. Around 60 different illustrated books and several related prints demonstrate the Japanese artists’ view of illustration as a worthwhile artistic challenge. In addition to landscapes and famous locations, the presentation also shows depictions of flowers, plants, animals, customs, ceremonial events and erotica. Spectacular books showing – often remarkably modern – designs for kimono fabric and ceramics will also be on display.

Japanese books and their covers, arranged thematically and chronologically in this presentation from the 17th through to the 20th century, highlight the originality of the Japanese art of illustration. The images are surprising and imaginative, both in terms of color and composition and are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, yet recognizable to Western eyes.

This impressive collection of publications consists largely of sample drawings intended to inspire artists and amateurs alike. During the 19th century, these sampler and pattern books – with their spectacular designs for the motifs for kimonos, ceramics and fans – enjoyed immense popularity.

The works presented as part of Japanese illustrated books from the 17th - 20th century are part of a recently acquired collection of 224 books dating from the 17th through to the 20th century. The acquisition was a joint purchase by the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and the National Museum for Ethnology in Leiden, the owners of the two largest illustrated Japanese book collections in the Netherlands.

Works from major names in Japanese art history, including Hokusai (1760-1849) and Utamaro (1753-1806), are included in the exhibition. The Tôkaidô (Eastern Sea Route) scrolls, which total 52 metres in length, are another highlight of the presentation. Completed in 1922, this is one of only two copies still in existence.