Genius artist, Hirezaki Eiho’s paintings of beautiful women, Meiji and Taisho periods woodblock prints from the Asahi collection

Eiho Hirezaki (1880-1968) was a painter who gained popularity for his portraits of beautiful women. Born in Tokyo, he became a disciple of ukiyo-e artist Toshihide Migita at the age of 17. He exhibited his Japanese paintings and eventually established a name for himself as an illustrator.

Eiho's talents were in the front pages of novels and literary magazines. He captivated readers with his delicate portrayals of the heroines' emotions, and colored the literary world of the Meiji and Taisho periods.

On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of Eiho's birth, we have carefully selected about 100 pieces from the Asahi Collection, which boasts about 3,500 frontispieces from the Meiji and Taisho periods, mainly multi-colored woodblock prints, to trace his artistic career along with original illustrations, preliminary sketches, related works, etc. We will also be showcasing about 50 woodblock frontispieces by contemporary artists, including Kaburaki Kiyokata.

The woodblock prints are notable for their vivid color schemes and soft shadows, which incorporate the sensibility of Western painting into the tradition of ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Please enjoy the exquisite world of beauty created by modern carvers and printers.