Mar. 07, 2019 UPDATE
Story & Recommendation
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of ukiyo-e at this ukiyo-e specialty store, Nishiharu, on Kyoto’s Teramachi Street!
Nishiharu is on the northern end of the Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, and it is a store specializing in Edo and Meiji period ukiyo-e art. It is next door from the famous sukiyaki restaurant Mishima-tei.
The stately looking historic store was founded almost 100 years ago. They sell all kinds of ukiyo-e art, from, the famous ones from classical masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige; to the more modern ones from artists like Kuniyoshi. The way they exhibit the ukiyo-e art makes this store almost look like a small art gallery!
One of the most interesting parts of this shop is that you can look and choose the ukiyo-e you want while talking about ukiyo-e with the owner. They are fun to look at, and delightful to buy, so I’m sure you will find some you like!
1Recommend!
Ukiyo-e
These ukiyo-e artworks were made between Edo and Meiji periods. The beautiful gradations of the colors and the elaborate compositions of these dramatic ukiyo-e prints are sure to surprise you. The prices start at around 10,000 yen and the most expensive ones are 1,000,000 yen and up.
2Check it out!
Shin hanga
Once we get to more modern times, we have woodblock prints called Shin hanga from Taisho and Showa periods. At Nishiharu they also sell Shin hanga so remember to take a look.
Compared to the ones made in the Edo and Meiji periods, the motifs and styles are more modern, but still, there is something “good old Japan” about them. Maybe because of this, they feel a bit nostalgic. They have a different charm from the ukiyo-e, so remember to also take a look at Shin hanga!
How to buy
All of the ukiyo-e have explanations in both Japanese and English.
This is the store designed to look like a tea ceremony room. It feels almost like you were in your grandfather’s home; it feels comforting. You can look at the ukiyo-e in peace. Here you can listen to the owner tell you about the historic background behind ukiyo-e, so you can choose the one you like while carefully listening to him!
- Shopping Tips -
The products can be shipped by EMS. It takes about a week for the products to get to you, so it may be a good idea to use this service.
