{"id":23920,"date":"2019-06-04T12:50:38","date_gmt":"2019-06-04T11:50:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=23920"},"modified":"2025-02-19T14:45:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T14:45:49","slug":"japanese-woodblock-prints","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2019\/06\/04\/japanese-woodblock-prints\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Japanese woodblock prints at Bristol Museum &#038; Art Gallery"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23920&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23920\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23920&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23920&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23920%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23920\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F23920\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>We couldn\u2019t be prouder to sponsor <em>Masters of Japanese Prints,<\/em> an extraordinary series of woodblock print exhibitions in our hometown at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Senior Curator Kate Newnham takes us on a journey to discover the stories behind the pictures.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24060\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24060\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium-plus-size wp-image-24060\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-510x287.jpg\" alt=\"Kate Newnham, Senior Curator at Bristol Museum &amp; Art Gallery\" width=\"510\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-510x287.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-564x317.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-720x405.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-390x219.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Kate-Newnham-Senior-Curator-at-Bristol-Museum-Art-Gallery1-780x439.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24060\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Kate Newnham, Senior Curator at Bristol Museum &amp; Art Gallery<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Masters of Japanese prints<\/h2>\n<p>The latest exhibition explores each of Japan\u2019s seasons with <em>hanami<\/em> parties under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-culture\/cherry-blossom\/\">cherry blossom<\/a>, spirited summer festivals, autumn leaf peeping and snowy scenes, with highlights including Hiroshige\u2019s depictions of the harvest moon and Hokusai\u2019s iconic <em>Great Wave off Kanagawa<\/em>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Am I right in thinking that Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has 500 Japanese prints, but you can\u2019t display them all the time?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, that\u2019s right. They fade very quickly if they\u2019re exposed to too much light, so we display them at 50 lux. Exhibitions like this will last for about three months maximum, so someone in 100 years will be able to appreciate the prints too.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You\u2019ve got prints from the 17th century right up until the early-mid 20th century, but the obsession with the seasons never seems to get old&#8230;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It doesn\u2019t at all! So this part of the series [<em>Nature and seasons<\/em>] covers the four seasons, along with a section on birds, flowers and insects.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium-plus-size wp-image-24062\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-510x287.jpg\" alt=\"Woodblocks for Japanese woodblock printing\" width=\"510\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-510x287.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-564x317.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-720x405.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-390x219.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/20190516_160612-780x439.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We also have some traditional woodblocks that we\u2019ve been able to borrow from a local collector, Dr Campbell. As you can see, woodblock prints were carved on both sides to save money &#8211; wood was quite expensive and each colour requires a different block to be made. There is no printing press involved and they\u2019re still making prints in this way now.<\/p>\n<p><strong>But at the time the prints wouldn\u2019t have set you back very much?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No, they wouldn\u2019t; you could buy one for a double bowl of noodles! But Japanese people didn\u2019t frame the prints and put them on the wall like we do in the West. They would likely keep them in a bundle and look at them from time to time with friends and family, in the same way we do with a photo album.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Spring<\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Utagawa Hiroshige<\/strong>, <em>Cherry bloss<\/em><em>oms in full bloom at Arashiyama<\/em>, 1834<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium-plus-size wp-image-24012 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-510x320.jpg\" alt=\"Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797-1858), Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Arashiyama, 1834\" width=\"510\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-510x320.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-768x482.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-1024x643.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-564x354.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-1200x753.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-900x565.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-720x452.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-1440x904.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-390x245.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000-780x489.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4276.2000x2000.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This is a Hiroshige print looking down into the river valley at Arashiyama. On his retirement, an emperor in the 9th century planted a whole load of cherry trees and maple trees in this valley. They\u2019re still there today, so this hillside blooms in the spring, then in autumn lights up with the fiery leaves of the maple trees. If you look closely, you can see there\u2019s a man meant to be poling his boat down the stream, but he\u2019s distracted by the cherry trees.<\/p>\n<p>The little spots of white on the water are the petals falling off. Japanese people loved seeing petals fall on water because it looked like snow \u2013 it\u2019s so beautiful yet brief and transient.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Utagawa Hiroshige<\/strong>, <em>T\u014deizan Temple at Ueno<\/em>, 1835-38<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium-plus-size wp-image-24014 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-510x347.jpg\" alt=\"Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797-1858), T\u014deizan Temple at Ueno, 1835-38\" width=\"510\" height=\"347\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-510x347.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-300x204.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-768x522.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-1024x696.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-564x383.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-1200x815.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-900x612.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-720x489.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-1440x978.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-390x265.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000-780x530.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4286.2000x2000.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>There were temples which were well known for being beautiful in a particular season, whether you go to look at the cherries, the azaleas or the moss.<\/p>\n<p>There was tourism in Tokyo and other major cities as far back as the 18th century and people who had a bit of money would go on a day trip for a picnic to enjoy that brief moment. That\u2019s part of the reason these images became so popular &#8211; they were a reminder or souvenir of a moment you may not have been able to take part in.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Choki, Eish\u00f4sai<\/strong>, <em>Kiyomizu Komachi, Scenes of the Seven Komachi<\/em>, 1810<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium-plus-size wp-image-24017 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-510x651.jpg\" alt=\"Choki, Eish\u00f4sai, Kiyomizu Komachi, Scenes of the Seven Komachi (Keshiki Nana Komachi), 1810\" width=\"510\" height=\"651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-510x651.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-235x300.jpg 235w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-768x981.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-802x1024.jpg 802w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-442x564.jpg 442w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-1200x1533.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-900x1149.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-720x920.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-1440x1839.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-390x498.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000-780x996.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4378.2000x2000.jpg 1566w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This one is rather poetic, it\u2019s in the style of a Chinese painting and it depicts a poetess \u2013 Ono no Komachi \u2013 from the 8th century, recognised as one of the 6 or 7 great poets of the period. She was very beautiful, but as she got older she saw her beauty fading &#8211; a bit like the beauty of the cherry blossom as the petals fall to the ground.<\/p>\n<p>Often, these seasonal prints include an allusion to a poem. We don\u2019t know those because we\u2019re Westerners, but Japanese people at the time would see stories of Komachi and be able to guess which episode of her life it referred to. There are also special words to invoke the season. For example, the word \u2018plover\u2019 would make them think of plovers skimming across the waves at the end of summer. Just the word plover or chrysanthemum or autumn grasses would evoke the season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>There\u2019s so much symbolism in all the pieces<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, they\u2019re all packed with symbols, which can drive you a bit mad because sometimes there\u2019s symbols within symbols. I think that\u2019s been part of the fun \u2013 to work them all out.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Torii Kiyomitsu, <\/strong><em>Courtesan reading a letter<\/em>, c.1757-83<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-24020\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000-510x894.jpg\" alt=\"Torii Kiyomitsu I (1735-85), Courtesan reading a letter, c.1757-83 (Library of Congress dates)\" width=\"210\" height=\"368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000-510x894.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000-171x300.jpg 171w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000-768x1346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000-584x1024.jpg 584w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000-322x564.jpg 322w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000-900x1578.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000-720x1262.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000-390x684.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000-780x1367.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4781.2000x2000.jpg 1141w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 210px) 100vw, 210px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This 18th century print still has quite a lot of its blue, which is really unusual. This lovely lady is in a traditional house sitting on the balcony, the screen is pushed back and there\u2019s the garden with a flowering tree. Her sash is tied at the front which suggests she is a courtesan \u2013 a high-class prostitute \u2013 and she\u2019s got sparrows on her robe; courtesans were often nicknamed Edo, i.e. Tokyo, sparrows.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Summer<\/h2>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Katsushika Hokusai, <\/strong><em>The Hollow of the Deep-Sea Wave off Kanagawa <\/em>from the series<em> Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji, <\/em>1831<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium-plus-size wp-image-24048 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-510x340.jpg\" alt=\"Hokusai, The Hollow of the Deep-Sea Wave off Kanagawa from the series Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji, 1831\" width=\"510\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4452.2000x2000.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This is such a popular print for us. With the wonderful grasping tentacles in the spume on top of the wave and the wave mirroring Mount Fuji in the background, sometimes people don\u2019t even notice the fishermen in the boats. People often ask \u2018is that a tsunami?\u2019 but scholars have concluded it\u2019s not; a tsunami is only where there is an earthquake associated with it. They think this one is a different type of wave called a breaking wave.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Takeuchi Keishu, <\/strong><em>Carp streamer (koinobori), <\/em><strong>1908<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-24054 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-510x733.jpg\" alt=\"Takeuchi Keishu (1861-1943), Carp streamer (koinobori), 1908\" width=\"310\" height=\"445\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-510x733.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-209x300.jpg 209w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-768x1103.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-713x1024.jpg 713w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-393x564.jpg 393w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-1200x1724.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-900x1293.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-720x1034.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-390x560.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer-780x1121.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Carp-streamer.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The summer prints are views of hot and sultry days, but they also reference seasonal plants and flowers. These irises refer to an episode in one of the first Japanese novels, <em>The Tale of Genji<\/em> along with references to seasonal festivals.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve just had \u2018Boys Day\u2019 \u2013 the 5th day of the 5th month \u2013 a festival that celebrates the health of young boys. Because carp are thought to be very strong and agile fish, carp streamers are often displayed during Boys Day celebrations.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Kunisada Utagawa,<\/strong><em> Lantern Seller, <\/em>from the series<em> Night Traders in Summer<\/em>, 1849-51<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-24041\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-510x704.jpg\" alt=\"Kunisada I, Utagawa (1786-1864), Lantern Seller, From the series Night Traders in Summer, 1849-51\" width=\"310\" height=\"428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-510x704.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-217x300.jpg 217w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-768x1060.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-742x1024.jpg 742w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-409x564.jpg 409w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-1200x1656.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-900x1242.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-720x994.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-1440x1988.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-390x538.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000-780x1077.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4374.2000x2000.jpg 1449w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This is a hot and sweaty actor playing the part of a lantern seller. Within <em>kabuki<\/em> theatre you often get seasonal references &#8211; \u2018he\u2019s selling lanterns therefore it must be summer\u2019. Everyone has outdoor festivals, and he\u2019s mopping himself because it\u2019s so hot.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Utagawa Kuniyoshi, <\/strong><em>The Heavenly Weaver and the Herdsman<\/em>, 1840-42<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-24053\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-510x735.jpg\" alt=\"Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861), The Heavenly Weaver and the Herdsman, 1840-42\" width=\"310\" height=\"447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-510x735.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-208x300.jpg 208w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-768x1107.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-710x1024.jpg 710w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-391x564.jpg 391w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-1200x1730.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-900x1298.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-720x1038.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-390x562.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000-780x1125.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4526.2000x2000.jpg 1387w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This is another festival; Tanabata &#8211; the 7th day, 7th month &#8211; also known as the Star Festival, when two lovers were thought to meet for one time per year across the Milky Way. You can see the grain of wood so this is one of the early printings when the block was still fresh and crisp.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Utagawa Hiroshige<\/strong><em>, Enjoying the cool of evening on the riverbed at Shijo. Kyoto, Meisho<\/em> 1834<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium-plus-size wp-image-24033 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-510x337.jpg\" alt=\"Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797-1858), Enjoying the cool of evening on the riverbed at Shijo. Kyoto, Meisho 1834\" width=\"510\" height=\"337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-510x337.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-768x507.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-1024x676.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-564x373.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-1200x793.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-900x594.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-720x476.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-1440x951.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-390x258.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000-780x515.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4280.2000x2000.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This is Kyoto in summer where, to this day, they build platforms around the river with lots of pop-up restaurants and caf\u00e9s so you can benefit from the cool of the water and the breeze. I was talking to Kyoto friends who said they have these out all summer for the Gion festival, Obon festival and Tanabata.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Autumn<\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Utagawa Hiroshige<\/strong><em>, Red Maple Trees at the Ts\u016btenky\u014d Bridge, Famous Views of Kyoto, <\/em>1834<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium-plus-size wp-image-24035 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-510x321.jpg\" alt=\"Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797-1858), Red Maple Trees at the Ts\u016btenky\u014d Bridge (Ts\u016btenky\u014d no momiji \u901a\u5929\u6a4b\u7d05\u6953), Famous Views of Kyoto (Ky\u014dto meisho no uchi), 1834\" width=\"510\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-510x321.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-768x483.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-1024x644.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-564x355.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-1200x755.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-900x566.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-720x453.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-1440x906.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-390x245.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000-780x491.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4281.2000x2000.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Kyoto is amazing in autumn. We think we\u2019ve got nice trees in England, then you go over there and realise they\u2019re really special.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Utagawa Hiroshige,<\/strong><em> Fox Trap<\/em>, 1835-1840<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-24038 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-510x690.jpg\" alt=\"Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797-1858), Fox Trap (\u91e3\u72d0), 1835-1840\" width=\"310\" height=\"419\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-510x690.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-768x1039.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-757x1024.jpg 757w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-417x564.jpg 417w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-1200x1624.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-900x1218.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-720x974.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-1440x1949.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-390x528.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000-780x1055.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4351.2000x2000.jpg 1478w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This harvest scene is quite odd. You\u2019ve got what seems to be an old lady, but is actually a fox. Just like the other seasons, there are a whole lot of symbols to do with autumn; you\u2019ve got the autumn moon, harvested rice and pampas grasses.<\/p>\n<p>The fox is a messenger of <em>Inari<\/em>, the Shinto god of rice and god of the harvest. Foxes were believed to be cunning and shapeshift, so this is an old woman fox apparition.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Utagawa Kuniyoshi<\/strong>, <em>Writing a Label for Chrysanthemums, <\/em>from the series<em> Women in Benkei-checked Fabrics<\/em> c.1844<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-24044\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-510x733.jpg\" alt=\"Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Writing a Label for Chrysanthemums, from the series Women in Benkei-checked Fabrics c.1844\" width=\"310\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-510x733.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-209x300.jpg 209w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-768x1104.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-712x1024.jpg 712w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-392x564.jpg 392w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-1200x1725.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-900x1294.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-720x1035.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-390x561.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000-780x1121.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4376.2000x2000.jpg 1391w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This woman is writing a label for chrysanthemums, an autumn flower and symbol of long life. Educated Japanese people would associate writing the sign and wearing this checked garment with the story of Sait\u014d Musashib\u014d Benkei, and the time Benkei was asked by his samurai master to write a label saying \u2018please do not destroy this ancient tree\u2019.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Winter<\/h2>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Utagawa Hiroshige, <\/strong><em>Parody of the Ukifune Chapter: Ferry on the Sumida River,<\/em> from the series<em> Famous Places in Edo and Murasaki&#8217;s Genji (Edo Murasaki meisho Genji),<\/em> 1845<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-24030\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4337.1250x1250-510x728.jpg\" alt=\"Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797-1858), Parody of the Ukifune Chapter: Ferry on the Sumida River, From the series Famous Places in Edo and Murasaki's Genji (Edo Murasaki meisho Genji), 1845\" width=\"310\" height=\"443\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4337.1250x1250-510x728.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4337.1250x1250-210x300.jpg 210w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4337.1250x1250.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4337.1250x1250-717x1024.jpg 717w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4337.1250x1250-395x564.jpg 395w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4337.1250x1250-720x1028.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4337.1250x1250-390x557.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Snow is known in Japan as one of the three beauties of nature &#8211; flowers, snow and the moon. But within this one there are allusions to the 11th century novel The Tale of <em>Genji.<\/em> It\u2019s about the heroine who unfortunately decides to throw herself in the river.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It\u2019s very beautiful for something that\u2019s quite sad.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, but there\u2019s also a commercial element to it \u2013 it has the logo of the printer. People rarely notice, but they sneak in company logos into the prints sometimes.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Utagawa Hiroshige<\/strong><em>, Snow Viewing at Mokubo-ji Temple: The Uekiya Restaurant<\/em> from the series<em> Famous Restaurants of Edo, <\/em>c.1838-40<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium-plus-size wp-image-24027 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-510x350.jpg\" alt=\"Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797-1858), Snow Viewing at Mokubo-ji Temple: The Uekiya Restaurant from the series Famous Restaurants of Edo, c.1838-40\" width=\"510\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-510x350.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-564x387.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-1200x823.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-900x617.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-720x494.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-390x267.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250-780x535.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BMG-Mb4287.1250x1250.jpg 1250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In the same way you get cherry blossom viewing, this one is snow viewing. Scholars think it was commissioned by a group of poets. It\u2019s got a little, satirical poem, so may be referencing a visit that this group of poets had to a temple. Someone wrote a poem, then they commissioned this print to go alongside it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Eish\u014dsai Choki, <\/strong><em>A Picture of Women&#8217;s New Year Purchases,<\/em> 1781-1808<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-24023\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-510x746.jpg\" alt=\"Eish\u014dsai Choki (active 1786-1810), A Picture of Women's New Year Purchases, 1781-1808\" width=\"310\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-510x746.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-205x300.jpg 205w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-768x1123.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-700x1024.jpg 700w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-386x564.jpg 386w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-1200x1754.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-900x1316.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-720x1053.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-390x570.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000-780x1140.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4808.2000x2000.jpg 1368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You know we have Boxing Day sales? Well, the whole business of New Year\u2019s sales goes back a good 200 years in Japan as well. It looks to me as though they\u2019re buying combs.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><br \/>\nUtagawa Hiroshige<\/strong><em>, Meguro Drum Bridge and Sunset Hill, <\/em>from the series <em>One Hundred Famous Views of Edo<\/em>, 1857<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-24026\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-510x765.jpg\" alt=\"Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797-1858), Meguro Drum Bridge and Sunset Hill, From the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, 1857\" width=\"310\" height=\"465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-510x765.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-376x564.jpg 376w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-900x1350.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-390x585.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000-780x1170.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mb4819.2000x2000.jpg 1333w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Then this one is a view of Tokyo at a bridge called the Meguro drum bridge. Hiroshige was particularly good at depicting snow, and you get a feeling of stillness and silence in this print.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This is my favourite &#8211; you can almost imagine the sound of the crunching as they cross the bridge.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">If you find yourself in Bristol, don&#8217;t miss the chance to see these prints in person at the final <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bristolmuseums.org.uk\/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery\/whats-on\/masters-of-japanese-prints-nature-and-seasons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Masters of Japanese Prints\u00a0<\/em><\/a>exhibition at Bristol Museum &amp; Art Gallery.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Want to discover the inspiration behind the pictures? Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-tfws\/through-the-floating-world-superior-\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Through the Floating World<\/a> Self-Guided Adventure or join one of our knowledgeable tour leaders on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Japan Small Group Tour<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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Help us by sharing it! We couldn\u2019t be prouder to sponsor Masters of Japanese Prints, an extraordinary series of woodblock print exhibitions in our hometown at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Senior Curator Kate Newnham takes us on a journey to discover the stories behind the pictures. Like this post? Help us [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2525,2367],"tags":[3117,4273,4276,4283],"class_list":["post-23920","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-japanese-arts-and-entertainment","category-japanese-culture-and-history","tag-hokusai","tag-woodblock-printing","tag-hiroshige","tag-bristol-museum-art-gallery"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23920","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/89"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23920"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23920\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34718,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23920\/revisions\/34718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23920"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23920"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23920"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}