June 20-Aug. 18
Today, ukiyo-e wood block prints are generally known for their vibrant colors, but the very first such prints were made in black and white and then hand painted, or made with just one or two color blocks.
It was not until the 1760s, when a system that allowed the use of many blocks for one image was invented by an engrager, that colorful nishiki-e (brocade pictures) were introduced.
This exhibition celebrates the 250th year since the first nishiki-e was printed and brings to Japan around 150 works from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which houses more than 4,000 Japanese ukiyo-e pieces.
Split into chronologically organized sections that span from early prints to the maturation of nishiki-e, exhibits include well-known works by Suzuki Harunobu — who is credited with boosting the popularity of nishiki-e during its early years— Toshusai Sharaku, Katsushika Hokusai, Katsushika Kuniyoshi and other famous artists.
Mitsui Memorial Museum; 7F, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. Mitsukoshimae Stn. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥1,300. Closed Mon. 03-5777-8600; www.mitsui-museum.jp