Straatartiest uit Edo

About this artwork

blad: hoogte 354 mm x breedte 238 mm

Art Historical Context

**Straatartiest uit Edo** (Street Artist from Edo), a vibrant color woodcut by Kobayashiochika from November 10, 1884, captures the lively spirit of urban life in Japan's historic capital. Measuring 354 mm high by 238 mm wide, this intimate print showcases a street performer amid the bustling streets of Edo—old Tokyo—evoking the "floating world" of everyday entertainment that defined ukiyo-e. Kiyochika, a leading figure in late 19th-century Japanese printmaking, blended traditional ukiyo-e techniques with emerging Western influences like subtle shading and light effects. Created during the Meiji era (1868–1912), a time of rapid modernization, the work reflects nostalgia for Edo's vibrant culture just after the city's transformation into Tokyo. Color woodcuts like this were meticulously carved by artisans on wooden blocks, layered with pigments, and printed in editions affordable to the public, making art accessible beyond elites. This piece highlights Kiyochika's skill in portraying dynamic human moments, offering a window into Japan's social tapestry—street artists as cultural icons entertaining crowds. A charming snapshot of transition-era Japan, it invites visitors to ponder the enduring allure of performance in daily life.

About the Artist

Kobayashi Kiyochika · 1847–1915

Japanese, 1847–1915