Moonlit Sea Prints of Easthampton MA is presenting its newest exhibition, Featured Works of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, a renowned woodblock print artist and painter from the Edo period (between 1603 and 1868). Kuniyoshi, a key figure in the ukiyo-e movement (Pictures of the Floating World), masterfully captured a wide range of subjects, including mythical creatures, historical events, kabuki actors, landscapes, and beautiful women. Deeply influenced by Western art, particularly its focus on draftsmanship, Kuniyoshi’s work is distinguished by bold lines, vivid colors, and a unique blend of tradition and innovation. His artistic legacy has left an indelible mark on both Japanese and Western art, inspiring generations of artists.

The exhibit runs from October 1, 2024, through October 31, 2024, and features selections from several series, including “One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets” , a collection of prints that illustrates classical Japanese poems. Some pieces depict the poets themselves, while others evoke scenes from their lives or poetry. The exhibit also includes works from one of Kuniyoshi’s most famous series, “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai”, telling the story of forty-seven retainers, one of the greatest tales about loyalty and revenge in Japanese history.