Ochre Editions
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Prints of the 18th century

Prints made in the 18th century, from every museum.

129 works · hang 9995 ·

The rooms are imagined; every work on their walls is real.

Walk this roomRehang this room

Section 1, north wall

  1. Perspective Pictures for The Treasure House of Loyalty, by Kitao Masayoshi, c. 1790s
    Perspective Pictures for The Treasure House of LoyaltyKitao Masayoshi, c. 1790sCourtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. “Hour of the Rat: Mistress,” from the series Women’s Daily Customs (Fuzoku bijin tokei), by Kitagawa Utamaro, 1790
    “Hour of the Rat: Mistress,” from the series Women’s Daily Customs (Fuzoku bijin tokei)Kitagawa Utamaro, 1790Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Section 1, south wall

  1. A work made of color woodblock print; surimono.
    PeoniesKitagawa Utamaro, n.d.Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. The engraving depicts a gathering around a woman holding a child in her arms in an indoor setting with stone columns and an arched background. Another woman is next to her, looking towards her while leaning over what appears to be a child or possibly a doll on a small donkey. Surrounding the central woman are several children, some seated and playing on the floor. A dog is resting at the central woman's feet. The image features lush drapery, creating a warm and intimate setting. The style suggests classical or historical fashion, and there is an ornate border with ivy leaves. The text and emblem below likely contain relevant inscriptions.
    L'heureuse féconditéNicolas Delaunay, 1777Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, south wall

  1. A work made of etching with roulette in black on ivory wove paper.
    The Forest of RochecardonJean-Michel Grobon, 1800Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. A work made of color woodblock print; long surimono.
    Plants, Porcelain Bowl, and Glass GobletKatsukawa Shunshō, c. 1789Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  3. A work made of color woodblock print; chūban.
    Searching for FirefliesSuzuki Harunobu, 1768Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Section 2, north wall

  1. This drawing depicts multiple figures in a forest setting. An angelic figure hovers at the top with wings outstretched. The forest below is filled with intricately detailed trees. Figures on the ground are in dynamic poses, one showing surprise or fear, and another reaching upwards. The composition is detailed with flowing garments and textured foliage, evoking tension and animation.
    The Death of Saint Peter MartyrJohn Baptist Jackson, 1739Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. Yamauba and Kintarō Playing with a Cherry, by Kitagawa Utamaro, ca. 1795
    Yamauba and Kintarō Playing with a CherryKitagawa Utamaro, ca. 1795Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  3. Women Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Asukayama, by Katsukawa Shunchô, 1780s
    Women Viewing Cherry Blossoms at AsukayamaKatsukawa Shunchô, 1780sCourtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art

Section 3, north wall

  1. A work made of etching on heavy ivory laid paper.
    View of the Remains of the Praetorian Fort [the Poecile], Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli, from Views of RomeGiovanni Battista Piranesi, 1770Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. “Hanamurasaki of the Tamaya,” from the series Seven Komachi of the Pleasure Quarters (Seirō Nana Komachi), by Kitagawa Utamaro, ca. 1790
    “Hanamurasaki of the Tamaya,” from the series Seven Komachi of the Pleasure Quarters (Seirō Nana Komachi)Kitagawa Utamaro, ca. 1790Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  3. The Actor Onoye Matsusuke as a Ronin, by Tōshūsai Sharaku
    The Actor Onoye Matsusuke as a RoninTōshūsai SharakuCourtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Section 3, south wall

  1. A work made of hand-colored woodblock print; vertical oban diptych, sumizuri-e.
    The Actor Onoe Kikugoro I holding a puppet of the Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu IIshikawa Toyonobu, c. 1740sCourtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. A Courtesan, by Kitagawa Utamaro
    A CourtesanKitagawa UtamaroCourtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  3. The image shows a man in a red coat in a river, holding on to a horse. A hat floats nearby. Three figures in 18th-century clothing stand on a rocky riverbank looking concerned. In the background, there are trees, a castle-like structure, and large clouds. The brushstrokes are detailed, capturing movement and textures. The color palette includes muted tones like earthy browns, greens, soft blue, and subtle reds.
    Le torrent et la riviere (The Torrent and theRiver)Louis-Simon Lempereur, published 1756Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington