In keeping with The Peninsula Hotels' philosophy of embracing local culture, The Peninsula Tokyo has developed three original Ukiyo-e designs to showcase this cultural heritage to our guests worldwide while providing direct support to the artisans who preserve the Ukiyo-e tradition. Each design vividly portrays characters from both the contemporary era and the Edo period, blending elements of the present with the past, all set against the backdrop of The Peninsula Tokyo.
 
Over the period of nine months, Mr. OZ, a painter and artist known for blending Japanese tradition with modern techniques, collaborated with two talented engravers, Ms. Nagai and Ms. Abe, and a master printer, Mr. Ogawa, to produce 100 prints of each of three original designs. Each print captures scenes of characters from both the modern era and the Edo period, set against the backdrop of The Peninsula Tokyo.

In addition to the Ukiyo-e prints on traditional Japanese paper, we commissioned Mr. OZ to create matching canvas paintings of each design. Comparing the vibrant colors of the canvas with the rich textures of the Ukiyo-e prints offers a fascinating contrast between contemporary and traditional artistic techniques. 

History of Ukiyo-e
Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese art form which provides a vivid window into Japan's artistic history. From its early beginnings in the 17th century, it depicted contemporary trends, Kabuki actors, and everyday life, becoming popular as a source of entertainment and trends, similar to modern posters and magazines. As travel during the Edo period became more common, ukiyo-e prints also featured famous landmarks, serving as souvenirs for the people during that time. The bold compositions and vibrant colors of ukiyo-e influenced late 19th-century Western artists like Van Gogh and became iconic representations of Japanese culture and art.

Ukiyo-e Production Process
Ukiyo-e is created through a collaborative process involving a publisher, painter, carver, and printer. The painter designs, the carver engraves on the woodblock, and the printer applies color, allowing for mass production of the artwork. 

• Painter 
  At the publisher's request, the painter creates preliminary sketches and provides color scheme instructions. For this project, Mr. OZ crafted three original designs inspired by The Peninsula Tokyo. A common element found in each piece is the hotel’s guardian gargoyle, which has been a symbol of safety and protection since the hotel's inception, and now grace’s the exterior of the hotel’s seventh floor.

   

• Carver
  The carver pastes a rough sketch to a woodblock made from mountain cherry trees and carves the design using chisels to create a printing block. There are two main types of blocks: the omohan, used for printing the black outlines, and several irohan or the “color printing blocks” for adding hues. Detailed elements, such as the artist’s name, are intricately carved. 

   

• Printer
  The final step involves printing the designs onto paper. The process starts with the omohan block to establish the outline, followed by sequentially applying color plates, beginning with the lightest shades. The printer’s expertise ensures the creation of vibrant colors and smooth gradients. Special pigments, such as the Berlin blue Bero-Ai, a favorite since Hokusai’s time, highlight the blend of contemporary and traditional techniques.

Introduction of the Producer/Artist:

About UKIYO-E PROJECT:

The UKIYO-E PROJECT, established in 2014 by Yuka Mitsui, aims to bridge the timeless essence of Ukiyo-e art with the contemporary world. This innovative venture utilizes traditional woodblock printing techniques to portray modern icons and landscapes. Its groundbreaking approach has garnered international acclaim and earned a place in prestigious institutions like the British Museum in London, the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna, and the University of Miami Library. Learn more at ukiyoe.today.

Painter: OZ-Ozu - Keisuke Yamaguchi
Mr. Oz seamlessly blends the profound philosophy and sensibilities of Japanese art with contemporary concepts and techniques. While actively promoting the tradition of votive offerings and cultural heritage, he has showcased his versatile artistic expression through solo exhibitions abroad and participation in art festivals.

Carver: Saeko Nagai 
After graduating from Kyoto College of Traditional Crafts, she underwent rigorous training under Sekioka Senrei III. After six years of apprenticeship, she established her own studio in Sumida-ku, Tokyo. 
A member of the Association for the Preservation of Ukiyo-e Woodblock Engraving and Printmaking Techniques, and the Tokyo Traditional Woodblock Print Association.

Carver: Sayumi Abe
Following three years of woodworking studies at a design college, Ms. Abe further honed her craft under the tutelage of Sekioka Senrei III. After completing six years of training, she founded her studio in Arakawa-ku, Tokyo. Abe is a member of the Association for the Preservation of Ukiyo-e Woodblock Engraving and Printmaking Techniques, and the Tokyo Traditional Woodblock Print Association.

Printmaker: Nobuto Ogawa
Ogawa Nobuto's artistic journey began after graduating from university. He studied under Kawachi Hidekatsu, who continued the lineage of woodblock printers dating back to the Edo period. With eight years of experience, Ogawa has completed his training and now works as an independent printmaker.