Hishikawa Moronobu

Hishikawa Moronobu (; 1618 – 25 July 1694) was a Japanese artist known for popularizing the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock prints and paintings in the late 17th century. He consolidated the works of scattered Japanese art styles and forged the early development of ukiyo-e.

Early life

Born in Hoda at the distant end of Edo Bay, Moronobu was the son of a well-respected embroiderer of rich tapestries who produced them for the use of temples and wealthy patrons. His initial works consisted designs for embroidery. After moving to Edo in the 1660s, Moronobu, who had likely learned skills from his father's craft, and studied both Tosa and Kanō-style painting.]]

alt=This print is an example of the Edo inspired eroticism that Moronobu would depict in his works|thumb|Courtesans parading with servants while holding umbrellas

thumb|alt=|Panel from a series of 12, in abuna-e style<br/>Late 1670s–early 1680s; Hishikawa Moronobu (1618-1694); Woodcut, sumi ink on paper

The earliest known illustration of Moronobu that can be dated comes from his work titled One Hundred Warrior Poets from 1672, although earlier works may yet surface. He produced more than 100 sets of illustrations, perhaps as many as 150, with around 20 being of an erotic nature.

Despite his popularity with ukiyo-e prints, his illustrations found in collaborations with other artists and in printed books are what kicked off his career. In some cases Moronobu would take the images and subjects from other prints and illustrations made in Kyoto but would replace the images with his own illustrations to make them his own. A common subject Moronobu worked with was the depiction of women in their daily lives. He did this right up until the end of the 19th century, or in other words, the end of the Edo period. An example would be his contribution of illustrations for Hyankunin isshu zōsanshō (One Hundred Poets with Portraits and Commentaries). This publication produced an argument on whether it was designed for women or not. Moronobu's illustrations can also be found in The Pictorial Survey, drafted by Ochikochi Dōin. The images depicted include long military processions and travelers of all ages and stations. As he continued to do prints the subjects, scenes, colors, composition, and even his line work changed with adaptation of techniques and the audience that was interested in the current activities displayed.

Moronobu's work is held in numerous museum collections around the world, and in the Library of Congress.

Gallery

File:Hishikawa-Moronobu-woodblock-print-1680.jpg|Lobby of a brothel from Yoshiwara no tei series, ca. 1680.

File:MORONOBU.JPG|Shunga, early 1680s, private collection.

File:Brooklyn Museum - Ayame no Sikku - Hishikawa Moronobu.jpg|Ayame no Sikku, between 1650 and 1700, Brooklyn Museum.

File:Brooklyn Museum - Women Dressmaking (left) and Artesans at Work (right) - Hishikawa Moronobu.jpg|Women dressmaking and artisans at work, between 1675 and 1695, Brooklyn Museum.

File:Gardens and Pavilions of Pleasure, by Hishikawa Moronobu, late 17th century - Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - DSC09096.JPG|Gardens and Pavilions of Pleasure, late 17th century, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

File:Kokon-Bushido-Ezukushi-(Bushido-Through-The-Ages-Book).png|Book cover of Kokon Bushido Ezukushi (Bushido Through The Ages) (1685)

2 Bijin-zu by Hishikawa Moronobu.jpg|Two beauties (ink and color on silk)

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References

External links

Ukiyoe The third story
Beauty looking back, Tokyo National Museum
Kabuki drama, Tokyo National Museum
The Sake Drinking Boy, by artist Shantell Martin and HENI Talks
More examples of Moronobu's work can be found at Ukiyo-e Search