Orient expressed: The master of Japanese ukiyo-e Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 1858)was one of the last great artists in theukiyo-etradition. Literally meaning pictures of the floating world, ukiyo-ewas a particularwoodblock printgenre of art that flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries. Subjects ranged from the bright lights and attractions of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), to spectacular natural landscapes.In the West, Hiroshige s prints became exemplary of theJaponismethat swept through Europe and defined the Western world s visual idea of Japan. Because they could be mass produced, ukiyo-eworks were often used as designs for fans, greeting cards, and book illustrations. The style influencedImpressionist, Post-Impressionist and Art Nouveauartists alike, withVincent van GoghandJames McNeill Whistlerboth particularly inspired by Hiroshige s landscapes.This introductory book presents key images from Hiroshige's vibrant, vivd portfolio of blooming cherry trees, beautiful women, kabuki actors, and busy shopping streets to introduce one of the greats of Asian art history. About the Series: Each book in TASCHEN s Basic Art series features: a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance a concise biography approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions "