Showa Collection

Monkeys and Persimmon, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883387 Monkeys and Persimmon, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc. Carved by Maeda KentarAc)

Horse (C), 1960 (woodblock print)
883403 Horse (C), 1960 (woodblock print) by Urushibara Mokuchū (1888-1953); 35.5x24.7 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; Photo © Minneapolis Institute of Art; Bequest of Louis W

Horse (D), 1960 (woodblock print)
883402 Horse (D), 1960 (woodblock print) by Urushibara Mokuchū (1888-1953); 35.5x25.4 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; Photo © Minneapolis Institute of Art; Bequest of Louis W

Horse (B), 1960 (woodblock print)
883400 Horse (B), 1960 (woodblock print) by Urushibara Mokuchū (1888-1953); 25x34.8 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; Photo © Minneapolis Institute of Art; Bequest of Louis W. Hill, Jr

Horse (A), 1960 (woodblock print)
883401 Horse (A), 1960 (woodblock print) by Urushibara Mokuchū (1888-1953); 25x34.9 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; Photo © Minneapolis Institute of Art; Bequest of Louis W. Hill, Jr

Portrait of Nobuko Yoshiya (photo)
3319350 Portrait of Nobuko Yoshiya (photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: Nobuko Yoshiya (1896 - 1973) was a Japanese novelist active in Taishō and Showa period Japan

Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester and the Garter Mission in Japan to bestow upon Emperor Showa (Hirohito) (1901-1989) the Stranger Knight of the Order of the Garter (KG); conferred in 1929

Flowers of Japanese Silver Leaves, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883390 Flowers of Japanese Silver Leaves, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); 32.5A--22.2 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc)

White Lily, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883392 White Lily, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc)

Black-crowned Night Heron in Snow, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883385 Black-crowned Night Heron in Snow, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc)

Kitten and Lantern, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883383 Kitten and Lantern, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc. Carved by Maeda KentarAc)

Rooster and Hen with Chicks, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883397 Rooster and Hen with Chicks, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc)

Water Hollyhock, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883393 Water Hollyhock, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc)

Water Lily, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883391 Water Lily, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc)

Two White Rabbits Under a Full Moon, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883386 Two White Rabbits Under a Full Moon, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc)

Lotus, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883384 Lotus, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc. Engraved by Maeda KentarAc)

Carp Leaping, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883396 Carp Leaping, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc. Carved by Maeda KentarAc)

Rooster and Weasel, 1930s (colour woodblock print)
883388 Rooster and Weasel, 1930s (colour woodblock print) by Koson, Ohara (1877-1945); Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Kawaguchi JirAc)

Dawn at Lake Ziway, Central Ethiopia, with the silhouette of a horse-drawn buggy.Horse-drawn buggies are widely used as taxis in the Ethiopian Highlands and in the Rift Valley south of Addis Abeda

Mausoleum of the Showa Emperor at Musashi Imperial Graveyard
The Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan, which houses the remains of the Taisho and Showa emperors. Date: circa 1930

Hirohito, Emperor Showa (1901-1989), 124th Emperor of Japan from 1926. Hirohito in 1912 when on the death of his grandfather Emperor Meiji he became heir apparent

Picnicking Along Courtney Campbell Parkway
View showa family having a picnicon stone tables alondside the parkway

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"Showa: A Glimpse into the Vibrant World of 1930s Japan" Step into the enchanting world of Showa, a captivating era in Japanese history. Through vivid colour woodblock prints, we are transported to a time where monkeys frolic amidst persimmon trees, their mischievous antics bringing joy to all who behold them. In this collection, we encounter the striking portrait of Nobuko Yoshiya, a figure whose presence radiates strength and grace. Her photograph captures her essence as an influential writer and advocate for women's rights during this transformative period. The arrival of Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester on his mission to bestow upon Emperor Showa the prestigious Stranger Knight title is another remarkable event etched in history. The Order of the Garter symbolizes honor and chivalry, marking a significant moment that was later revoked but ultimately restored years later. Nature's beauty unfolds through delicate blooms depicted in these woodblock prints. Flowers like Japanese Silver Leaves and White Lily bloom with elegance while capturing the essence of tranquility that permeated throughout Showa-era gardens. Amidst snowy landscapes, we witness the Black-crowned Night Heron gracefully navigating its surroundings - a testament to nature's resilience even in harsh conditions. Meanwhile, adorable scenes such as Kitten and Lantern or Rooster and Hen with Chicks evoke warmth and innocence that transcends time. Water Hollyhock dances upon serene waters alongside Water Lily - both symbols of purity and serenity that were cherished during this era. Two White Rabbits playfully bask under a full moon's glow while Lotus flowers emerge from still ponds; each print encapsulates moments frozen in time yet filled with life. As we explore these artworks from 1930s Japan, let us immerse ourselves in Showa's rich cultural tapestry - an era where tradition intertwined harmoniously with modernity. These captivating woodblock prints serve as windows into a world that continues to inspire and captivate us today.