Kobayashi Kiyochika expertly captures light and shadow in these gorgeous ukiyo-e prints 【Art】

If you love art, you’ll definitely want to check out Kobayashi’s prints!

Fans of ukiyo-e will probably already know the name Kobayashi Kiyochika — he’s considered one of the last great artist to work in the medium — but even if you’re not, we’re sure you’ll still love his amazing work.

▼ The Naval Battle of Pungdo

Born in 1847, Kobayashi’s artwork often depicts the modernization of Japan while also showing the influence Western art had on Japanese artists. Kobayashi’s work is considered noteworthy for the expert use of light and shadow, as you can clearly see in the image below.

▼ Picture of Fireworks at Ryogoku

Of course, it used to be that if you wanted to see great art you had to go to a museum or buy an expensive art book. These days, though, we have the Internet! While you may be tempted to spend all your time looking at photos of cats, you might also enjoy spending a few minutes admiring Kobayashi’s work. And if you like what you see here, be sure to head on over to the British Museum website or the Tokyo National Museum website to see more. But you’ll also want to clear your schedule — we wouldn’t be surprised if you spent all day staring at these gorgeous images!

▼ Manufacturing Pots and Pans at Kawaguchi

▼ The Great Fire on Ryogoku Bridge, as Sketched from Hamacho

▼ Koromo River below Tennoji Temple

▼ Picture of Shin Ohashi Bridge, Tokyo, in the Rain

▼ Night at Toshogu Shrine, Ueno

▼ Dai-ichi Bank seen from the Kaiun Bridge at Shinbashi, Tokyo

▼ Evening View of Nihonbashi

▼ Picture of Shin Ohashi Bridge, Tokyo, in the Rain

Hey, there’s even one with cats! Kobayashi knew what the Internet would like even before it was created. Truly a forward-thinker and artistic luminary!

▼ Cats at a Canvas

Even if you’re not an art fan, we hope were able to appreciate Kobayashi’s work. For us, the balance between light and shadow is simply amazing!

And if dance is the art form you prefer, be sure to check out these breakdancers shaking it to “Senbonzakura!”

Sources: Japaaan, Tokyo National Museum, The British Museum
Feature image: The British Museum,
Images: Tokyo National Museum, The British Museum

Origin: Kobayashi Kiyochika expertly captures light and shadow in these gorgeous ukiyo-e prints 【Art】
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