Focusing on what is known as the golden age of nishiki-e colour prints, the Tenmei and Kansei eras (1781-1801), The Golden Age of Colour Prints showcases 100 ukiyo-e prints and offers a rare opportunity for visitors to appreciate the gorgeous colour aesthetic that is the essence of nishiki-e, or ukiyo-e printed in multiple colours.

The exhibition focuses on the art of three master printmakers who were key innovators in the medium: Torii Kiyonaga, Kitagawa Utamaro and Toshusai Sharaku. At the time they were produced, the images were considered to be crude and unsophisticated, and for popular consumption. The superficial world of beauty and entertainment, of the pleasure quarter and the theatre were considered to be both remote from everyday life and not appropriate subjects for art. However the art form rose to great popularity in the metropolitan culture of Tokyo during the second half of the 17th century and has had a powerful and enduring influence on Western art.

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