From the end of this week, the Hotel Caumont Centre d’Art will be ‘turning Japanese’ with an extensive collection of prints, crafted objects, even kimonos.
We can enjoy
- Hokusai’s ‘Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji’ (1832–1833)
- ‘The Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kiso Kaidō’ by Hiroshige and Eisen
- an ensemble—which is unique in France—of Surimono woodblock prints, which will constitute the core of the exhibition. The ukiyo-e, ‘Pictures of the floating world’ in Japanese, represented a new ‘art de vivre’, reflecting the popular pleasures of the Edo period (in ancient Tokyo)
Utagawa Toyohiro, Haru no shin-Fuji (Nouveau Fuji au printemps), signé Toyohiro ga, 1810-1829, nishiki-e, pigment métallique, 21,4 x 18,8 cm shikishiban surimono
This Edo period (from 1603 to 1867) was a time of artistic and cultural effervescence, but coincided with a long period of isolation from outside influence.
The Caumont explains, ‘the Surimono woodblock prints combined figurative compositions with poetic texts. Printed in limited numbers, they were intended for restricted circles of intellectuals or cultural elites. Representing the quintessence of Japanese refinement, these works illustrated the entire range of themes and images that were characteristic of the life and culture of ancient Japan presented in the exhibition: natural motifs and scenes of daily life; the representation of actors performing in the kabuki theatre and the beautiful inhabitants of Yoshiwara; still lifes relating to New Year celebrations; and war and erotic scenes, heroes, and traditional legends.’
When: Friday 8th November – 22nd March 2020.
Cost: full rate = 14€
Note 1 The café will be closed on Thursday 7th. I wonder if they will have some Japanese treats in store? Their vegetarian ‘alternative’ has been the same since the centre opened 6 years ago, so let’s hope so.
Note 2 Or you can enjoy one of the Japanese restaurants in Aix beforehand to get you in the oriental mood. Here’s one I Iike but am sure there are other recommendations: https://aixcentric.com/2019/03/23/a-japanese-jaunt-in-aix/
Note 3 Don’t forget that the Carrieres de Lumieres ‘short’ production features Japan too and is absolutely lovely.
Turning Japanese ? I really think so!
Utagawa Toyohiro, Haru no shin-Fuji (Nouveau Fuji au printemps), signé Toyohiro ga, 1810-1829, nishiki-e, pigment métallique, 21,4 x 18,8 cm shikishiban surimono
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There’s a new exhibition opening this week at MuCEM, but tomorrow they are having a Portes Ouvertes – free entry, music, DJ, presentation by curators at 5pm. This special event opens: 16:00 – midnight, Tuesday 21st January.
Good news that the Musée Granet have a series of tours in English programmed. 
