Hurst Gallery's Ukiyo-e: Landscapes and Legends presents picturesque vistas and iconic characters. Although these sophisticated designs were intended for a literate Japanese audience, the Gallery provides labels and informative texts that guide the viewer to insights that might otherwise elude a gaijin (foreign) audience.

The exhibition includes works by the well known landscape artists Ando Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) and Katsushika Hokusai (1760 - 1849). There are also dozens of designs by Utagawa School masters Toyokuni I (1769 - 1825), Toyokuni II (1777 - 1835), and Kunisada (1786 - 1864), specialists in Kabuki and courtesan portraiture and genre scenes. Selections appear from Kunisada's tightly constructed series "Analogues for the Thirty-six Poets", combining classic verses with well-known historical or theatrical characters.

Also represented are Toyohara Kunichika (1835 - 1900), Toyohara Chikanobu (1838 - 1912), and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) who created images that reflect Western humanistic influences of the later 19^th century.

There are designs from a series by Chikanobu entitled Azuma Nishiki Chuya Kurabe (Edo Embroidery Pictures, Comparison of Day and Night) depicting traditional Japanese characters with contrasting or illuminating images and texts in the upper register of each design. Another series from roughly the same period by Kunichika, Tokyo Sanju Rokkaiseki, depicts contemporary Geishas and details of the famous restaurants they frequented. Yoshitoshi's designs are distinguished by surreal and supernatural imagery.

Over all, this exhibition offers a balance between landscapes in which the human element is minimized, three-quarter portraits of actors, and historical personages and compositions which combine an interest in human activity in sensitively rendered environs.

Hurst Gallery has had the good fortune to acquire quantities of prints which have been in binders since their initial issue and many are notable for their brilliant colors, fine states, and luxury embellishments including embossed printing and sprinkled mica or metalic powders.

Ukiyo-e: Landscapes and Legends offers acquisition opportunity to collectors of varying tastes, interests, and economies. Prices range from under one hundred, to several thousand dollars. All works are identified and unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic.