The London Reviewer

As one of Japan’s most famous artists*, Hiroshige (1797-1858) is distinguished for his beautiful and precisely yet simply designed wood block prints (also known as ukiyo-e). With about 60 prints hung in about four different rooms, this exhibit focuses on three of his series of prints done after he retired from urban life and became a Buddhist monk: Sixty-odd Provinces (1856), One Hundred Famous Views of Edo** (1856-58) and Thirty-six Views of Fuji (1858).As a depicter of everyday life – in his own style, which sits somewhere between romanticism and realism – all three series capture people and landscapes. And like in most Japanese art, the idea of transience permeates each of his compositions. Ie, there’s always a feeling that we are looking at a moment that is quickly about to pass – whether it’s a cat watching the world go by, geishas in a tea house or people in the market place.Other repetitive characteristics that run through Hiroshige’s pictures, and trademark his style, include: the recurrence of water (ponds, lakes and rivers) or mountains; light and dark tones with no medium colours; and the sharp black lines that outline the subjects of his print and give them their substance within the composition.For those who love ukiyo-e or are simply art connoisseurs, this is definitely worth a visit as it encompasses a large and stunning body of work, is well-laid out with excellent commentary throughout and best of all, is free. The Moon Reflected is a well put together portfolio of work by an artist who intrigues with his strong use of colour and plain style of drawing.* Alongside his contemporary and influence Katsushika Hokusai (1760—1849) – perhaps Japan’s most celebrated artist in the West – who is known for his woodblock prints Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji and The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
** Edo =Tokyo