touring proposal - Ashmolean Museum

TOURING PROPOSAL
JAPANESE GHOSTS
AND DEMONS
Ukiyo-e prints from the Ashmolean
AVAILABLE FROM SPRING 2017 ONWARDS
the fields, the mountains and in the
home. The arrival of Buddhism during
the sixth century AD brought with
it a host more supernatural beings,
and many Chinese tales of spirits and
monsters were also absorbed into
Japanese tradition.
Giant spiders, dancing skeletons,
winged goblins and hordes of
ghostly warriors are among the
spooky subjects depicted in this
exhibition of woodblock prints
from the Ashmolean’s collection.
The exhibition explores fascinating
and varied tales from Japanese
myth and legend, including
ancient ghost stories, fabled
warriors, historical battles and
strange tales of the supernatural.
Obake, the Japanese word for
ghost, means ‘something that is
transformed.’ There are many kinds of
ghosts in Japan, including household
objects that come to life, animals with
supernatural powers, wicked demons
and the vengeful spirits of cruellywronged women.
Supernatural stories have long been
represented in Japanese art and
literature and this exhibition examines
the legends depicted in 19th century
ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
The ukiyo-e genre
originated in the
entertainment
districts of
Japanese
cities during
the Edo
period (16001868) and was
aimed at the
newly prosperous
merchant class. The
thriving world of
licensed brothels, tea
houses and kabuki
theatres found in the
Ghosts: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, The woman
Shizunome Ohyaku, Edo, 1866
AVAILABLE FROM SPRING 2017 ONWARDS
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Prince Kurokumo
and the earth spider, Edo, 1867
entertainment districts was named ‘the
floating world’ (ukiyo), and provided
an escape from the formalities of
everyday life in Japan. Here the
merchants, officially the lowest class
in society and banned from showy
displays of wealth, were free to spend
their leisure time and their fortunes
as they wished. The ukiyo-e prints
displayed here all date from mid-19th
century Japan, when artists competed
to satisfy the public’s appetite for
images of the bizarre and macabre.
Belief in the supernatural is deeprooted in Japanese folklore. According
to Japan’s native Shinto religion, gods
reside everywhere – in the forests,
EXHIBITION OVERVIEW
The exhibition consists of works by
the celebrated ukiyo-e designers
Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Tsukioka
Yoshitoshi and other leading artists of
the period. All the works are colour
woodblock prints on paper and are
mounted and framed as landscape
triptychs or portrait prints.
MERCHANDISE
The exhibition can be accompanied
by greetings cards, stationery and
other merchandise if required.
Detail of Utagawa Hiroshige,Taira no Kiyomori
Haunted by Spectres, Edo, 1843 - 1845
AVAILABLE FROM SPRING 2017 ONWARDS
EXHIBITION COSTS
The fee includes:
•Around 20 mounted and framed
ukiyo-e prints from the Ashmolean
Museum, depending on venue size.
•Transport of loans from and return to
Oxford (if venue is under 140 miles
from the Ashmolean)
•Object preparation and condition
reporting
•Labels (delivered in hard format and/or
electronically)
•Introductory wall panel (delivered in
hard format and/or electronically)
•Tour co-ordination by the Ashmolean
Museum Registrar’s Department
•Dr Clare Pollard, the exhibition’s
curator, would be available for a lecture
•A selection (to be determined by the
venue) of 2 high res images for use in
the venue’s own press and publicity
The following items and costs will be
covered by the venue, as they arise
•“Nail to Nail” Insurance
•Crating for works, if needed
•Transport of loans from and return to
Oxford (only if venue is over 140 miles
from the Ashmolean)
•Courier expenses
Detail of Utagawa Yoshitora Nikushi the Frog Spirit
Conjures up a Magical Battle of Frogs, Edo,1864