Meisho-e

Introducing and Defining Meisho-e

Meisho-e (名所絵) are not merely depictions of famous places; they are storytelling landscapes, where geography intertwines with the history of the past. Created at the turn of an era where journeys away from home were still not a common practice, these works allowed people to explore distant places through the eyes of skilled artists. In them, we find not only artistry but also a lasting sense of wonder that continues to inspire people to this day.

What is Meisho-e 

Meisho-e are a subset of ukiyo-e, which are woodblock illustrations that often depict various aspects of culture, urban life, and entertainment. Meisho-e is a type of artwork that focuses on landscapes, scenery, and famous locations, which aligns with its name: “meisho” meaning famous place and “e” meaning picture. When we look more closely at the more narrow genre of meisho-e itself, we can see that it reflects exactly this focus. These woodblock prints of special areas have earned a renowned status among the world’s most recognized art styles and are highly prized by museums, collectors, and avid art scholars around the globe. While meisho-e mainly served as a way to advertise and celebrate the beauty of a location, they also aimed to resonate with viewers on a more emotional level, stirring feelings of curiosity in people and bringing forth motivation for travel. In addition, they held value by allowing people to visualize renowned landmarks at a time when long-distance travel was still a formidable task.

Culture and Historical Significance

The roots of meisho-e can be traced as far back as the late 800s, when early forms of the genre depicted scenic and sacred areas. However, during the Edo Period, it evolved into the vibrant, travel-focused art form we recognize today that celebrates seasonal beauty and everyday life. Though in order to truly appreciate the significance of meisho-e, it’s important to understand the cultural and societal changes of the Edo Period. The Edo Period (1603-1868) saw a rise in prosperity, relative peace, improved transportation, and a large increase in domestic trade. Next, the creation of the Edo highways at this time played a crucial role by connecting major cities that merchants would travel along, and served as both a backdrop and a key element in many of the meisho-e. As travel became more accessible, people started to take journeys for various reasons, whether it be for pleasure, profit, or otherwise, their travels took them to famed areas around Japan. This increase prompted the need to keep records, for both travel information or, at times, just simple mementos.  After some time, travel guides and illustrated magazines were developed and eventually evolved into the famed meisho-e that helped to promote an area through a new medium.

Two of the most prominent artists associated with the meisho-e genre are Hokusai, known for “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”, and Utagawa Hiroshige, known for “100 Famous Views of Edo”. Today, Hokusai’s “Great Wave” continues to be one of the most recognized works of Japanese art in the world and is even featured on the Japanese 1000 yen banknote.

Modern Meisho-e

Eventually, after the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate, meisho-e started to lose popularity as a genre. Although foreign interest in this style caused a renewal of interest in the art form in the early to mid-1900s during the Taisho and Showa eras. It then found its current voice through a new style called Shin-Hanga, which just translates to “new prints”. 

The two prominent artists of the Shin-Hanga movement, Hasui Kawase and Hiroshi Yoshida, drew inspiration from Hokusai and other Edo-period artists, incorporating Western influences along with their own unique styles. Some of the landscapes created by them include foreign locations in addition to Japan. Despite the differences, the use of color and depth that was so captivating from the Edo period is not lost in these modern masterpieces. 

Meisho-e’s Wide Influence

The meisho-e not only influenced the Shin Hanga movement but also extended worldwide. Famous Western artists such as Van Gogh and Monet were even inspired by the meisho-e.  They were both passionate collectors of meisho-e, and its influence helped shape the development of their own art. This influence is evident in Monet’s Water Lily Pond series, which reflects the Japanese consideration of nature and composition, and in Van Gogh’s rendition of a Flowering Plum Orchard, directly based on a print by Hiroshige.

Once Japan opened itself to international trade, Japanese art began to flourish and gain popularity in Europe. The French term Japonisme refers to this influence on Western art, particularly in the 19th century. Western artists and audiences were quickly captivated by the strikingly different style, especially the use of color that stood in contrast to the traditional Western art at the time.

Viewing Meisho-e

Viewing meisho-e itself is an experience that takes you back to Edo-period Japan; the emotion within each piece unfolds through the changing seasons, shifting weather, and subtle depictions of the passage of time. Even when depicting the same location, meisho-e can evoke entirely different emotions. The portrayal of travelers or pilgrims on the Edo highways, braving harsh weather or walking beneath lush and pink cherry blossoms, shapes our perception of landscape in powerful and nuanced ways. Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji exemplifies this emotional and nuanced depth, capturing Japan’s most iconic mountain through a variety of moods, settings, and more. Each view offers a new lens, some serene and others dynamic and dramatic. This beautifully reflects the essence of meisho-e.

Honoring this ukiyo-e master, the Sumida Hokusa Museum stands in the neighborhood of Sumida City in Tokyo, where Hokusai was born and spent most of his early life. Along with high-quality replicas, there are also rotating exhibitions that feature Hokusai’s coveted originals. Beyond simply admiring the art, the museum provides opportunities to learn more deeply about the history, techniques, and Hokusai’s legacy.

The presence of meisho-e in museums and collections throughout the world honors the legacy of meisho-e not only in the world of art but in the history and culture of Japan.
Meisho-e significance extends far beyond its beautiful surface and value in a collection. Each print tells a story, captures a moment, and has inspired generations of dreamers for hundreds of years. These works preserve the footsteps of travelers, the dreams of artists, and the yearning of those who gazed toward distant horizons. Centuries later, they still stir the soul, echoing with the timeless beauty and allure of Japan.