Collection Spotlight | The Floating World
Collection Spotlight: The Floating World
Featured Artist: Various Japanese Artists, including Sharaku, Kuniyoshi, Hiroshige, and others
Time Period: 17th–19th Century (Edo Period)
Medium: Japanese Woodblock Prints
Overview
Explore the vibrant and artistically unique world of Ukiyo-e through the Japanese woodblock prints that celebrate life, entertainment, and impermanence. Kabuki actors, iconic landscapes, and views of the Pleasure Quarters offer guests a glimpse into Edo-period culture and the beginnings of global artistic influence.
Featured Works from the Martin Museum’s Collection
- Selections from the 53 Stations of the Tōkaidō Road
- Portraits of Kabuki actors and courtesans
- Scenic views and everyday life prints
Target Audiences
- Asian Studies and Japanese History courses
- Art History and Printmaking classes
- Groups exploring culture, identity, or storytelling
- Theater courses exploring the Noh (Nō) and Kabuki stage
- Fashion courses looking at Japanese historical costuming
Key Themes
- Impermanence and beauty
- The printmaking style of Ukiyo-e
- Popular culture and performance
- Gender and representation
- The global influence of Ukiyo-e
Booking Details
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Audience: Available for middle and high school, university-level, and special interest groups
- Includes: Guided discussion and close viewing of selected works
- How to Book: Select this Collection Spotlight when submitting your group tour request
Spotlight Brief Educator Packet: Pre-Visit Background Reading Educator Packet: Pre-Visit Materials Educator Packet: Post-Visit Materials Student Quiz Collection Images