Tsutaya Juzaburo: The man who created the golden age of ukiyo-e
The permanent exhibition is divided into four sections.
Exhibit 1 displays precious original works that Tsutaya Juzaburo actually created during the Edo period. The main items are Yoshiwara Hosomi, Jihon, and Oraimono books. Exhibit 2 displays representative works such as ukiyo-e and illustrations by artists and playwrights such as Utamaro, Sharaku, Hokusai, and Kitao Seien, who were produced by Tsutaya Ju. Exhibit 3 displays landscapes, portraits of beautiful women, and actor paintings with the theme of Shin Yoshiwara. The exhibition mainly introduces works depicting the life and fashion of the brothels at that time. Exhibit 4 displays ukiyo-e with the theme of Asakusa, the source of Edo culture. Please enjoy the 24 hours and 24 solar terms of the Asakusa area, centered around Sensoji Temple, Saruwaka Sanza, and Shin Yoshiwara.
Not only are there precious original works on display, but also reproductions of woodblock prints, some of which you can see up close and touch before purchasing. Please enjoy the collaborative works of the publisher, artist, carver, and printer.
Exhibition 1: Works by Koshodo
① Yoshiwara Hosomi: Original, Koshodo edition (first generation)
② Yoshiwara Hosomi: Original, Koshodo edition (second generation)
③ Yoshiwara Hosomi: Original, Tamaya Sansaburo edition
④ Picture book Mushi selection: Reprinted woodblock print, Utamaro
⑤ Unfaithful kabayaki: Original, Santo Kyoden
⑥ The teacher’s dream of prosperity soon: Reprinted woodblock print, Koigawa Harumachi
⑦ Picture book Edo no Kaku, complete set of 3 volumes: Reprinted woodblock print, Tsuta/Karamaru, editor, Shura Sugae and others, Kitagawa/Utamaro, illustrations
⑧ The 48 techniques of buying a courtesan: Reprinted woodblock print, Santo Kyoden
⑨ Ordinary articles, Japanese court Seisei, Goseibai Shikimoku: Original
⑩ A brief explanation of the Manyoshu, eleven volumes, two volumes: Original
Exhibit 2: Juzaburo and his friends
⑪ Sharaku
Otani Oniji: Reproduction woodblock print
Ichikawa Ebizo’s Takemura Sadanoshin: Reproduction woodblock print
Ichikawa Otokozo’s Yakko Ippei: Reproduction woodblock print
⑫ Utamaro
The Three Beauties of the Kansei Era: Reproduction woodblock print
Girl blowing a glass: Reproduction woodblock print
Abalone Catching: Reproduction woodblock print
Abalone Catching: Woodblock print
⑬ Santokyoden (Kitao Masanobu)
Yoshiwara Courtesan: New Beauty Combined Handwritten Mirror: Reproduction woodblock print
⑭ Kyokutei Bakin
Nansō Satomi Hakkenden: Original
⑮ Hokusai (Katsushika Haruo)
Katsukawa Haruo “Nakamura Riko’s Clothed Pure Woman”: Reproduction woodblock print
New Edition of Suiko Gaden: Original Takai Ranzan Hokusai Exhibition 3 New Yoshiwara
⑯ Yoshiwara Temporary Residence: Original, Tsutaya Juzaburo 3rd Generation
⑰ Hanakawado, Yoshiwara Temporary Residence: Hokusai
⑱ Yoshiwara Body: Reproduction woodblock print, Hishikawa Moronobu
⑲ Toyohara Kunichika, “The Prosperity of the New Yoshiwara Daimonjiro”: Original
⑳ Twelve Hours in the Blue House, Utamaro: Reproduction woodblock print
Exhibit 3 Shinyoshiwara
⑯ Yoshiwara Temporary Residence: Original, Tsutaya Juzaburo III
⑰ Hanakawado Yoshiwara Temporary Residence: Hokusai
⑱ Yoshiwara Body: Reproduction woodblock print, Hishikawa Moronobu
⑲ Toyohara Kunichika “The Prosperity of the New Yoshiwara Daimonjiro”: Original
⑳ Twelve Hours in the Blue House, Utamaro: Reproduction woodblock print
Exhibition 4: Asakusa Then and Now (Ukiyo-e of the surrounding area)
㉑ Famous Places in the Eastern Capital: Shin-Yoshiwara: Kuniyoshi Original
㉒ Kinumizaka Hill: Hiroshige
㉓ Night in Shin-Yoshiwara: Hiroshige
㉔ Minowa Mikawashima: Hiroshige
㉑ Kinryuzan Mountain: Hiroshige
*Photography is permitted in the permanent exhibition, with some exceptions.
*As ukiyo-e prints are extremely sensitive to heat and light, in order to protect the artworks, the actual pieces are only exhibited for 30 days or less per year. For this reason, the works on display in the permanent exhibition room are life-size, high-definition replicas.