Yoshiwara
The University Art Museum - Tokyo University of the Arts
Until May 19
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Over a vast area of approximately 100,000 square meters, Yoshiwara in Edo, a licensed red-light district sanctioned by the shogunate, existed for about 250 years, setting it apart from other red-light districts with its formalities and traditions as a public institution. Even samurai had the tradition of depositing their swords and guests were entertained with refined culture and honed arts. The district hosted events such as cherry blossom viewing and spontaneous performances, becoming a hub for cultural dissemination throughout its approximately 250-year history.
Creating an illusionary world with extravagance and non-everyday elements, such as planting cherry blossoms only in March, Yoshiwara was embraced by many commoners in Edo, and people from the regions visiting Edo made trips to Yoshiwara for sightseeing. The expectations and surprises associated with Yoshiwara were depicted by numerous ukiyo-e artists, with publishers like Juzaburo Tsutaya and cultural figures actively operating in Yoshiwara. The red-light district of Yoshiwara in Edo no longer exists in the modern day, and it will not reappear in the future.
This exhibition aims to historically verify the culture and art of Edo in the now-lost Yoshiwara red-light district, utilizing both domestic and international masterpieces, including returned works from the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum and the British Museum, to approach the complete picture of its history.
Creating an illusionary world with extravagance and non-everyday elements, such as planting cherry blossoms only in March, Yoshiwara was embraced by many commoners in Edo, and people from the regions visiting Edo made trips to Yoshiwara for sightseeing. The expectations and surprises associated with Yoshiwara were depicted by numerous ukiyo-e artists, with publishers like Juzaburo Tsutaya and cultural figures actively operating in Yoshiwara. The red-light district of Yoshiwara in Edo no longer exists in the modern day, and it will not reappear in the future.
This exhibition aims to historically verify the culture and art of Edo in the now-lost Yoshiwara red-light district, utilizing both domestic and international masterpieces, including returned works from the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum and the British Museum, to approach the complete picture of its history.
Schedule Now in session | Mar 26 (Tue) 2024-May 19 (Sun) 2024 16 days left Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥2000, University and High School Students ¥1200 | ||||
| Website | https://museum.geidai.ac.jp/en/exhibit/2024/03/yoshiwara.html | ||||
| Venue | The University Art Museum - Tokyo University of the Arts https://museum.geidai.ac.jp/en/ | ||||
| Location | 12-8 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8714 | ||||
| Access | 10 minute walk from exit 1 at Nezu Station on the Chiyoda line, 10 minute walk from the Koen exit of JR Ueno Station, 15 minute walk from the Main exit of Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei line. | ||||
| Phone | 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial) | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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