That’s Entertainment: Japanese Prints and the Art of Leisure

That’s Entertainment: Japanese Prints and the Art of Leisure presents 28 Japanese woodblock prints by Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1864) and other leading artists of the Edo period (1615–1868). On view to the public for the first time since entering the Norton Museum of Art’s collection, these rarely seen woodblock prints celebrate the creative energy and artistry of Japan’s iconic visual and performing artistic traditions.

Renowned for their inventive compositions and bold designs, Edo-period woodblock prints capture the glamour and excitement of urban life in 19th century Japan. The exhibition focuses on portraits of celebrated kabuki actors from major productions staged in Edo (present-day Tokyo) theaters during the 19th century. Originally created as both souvenirs for kabuki fans and advertisements for theatrical performances, these prints reveal how art, celebrity, and popular culture intertwined in pre-modern Japan. 

Complementing these historical works is Shinju Trail (2018) by Tabaimo (Japanese, born 1975), an internationally acclaimed artist whose video installation reimagines a classic kabuki love tragedy. This piece introduces a modern voice that resonates with the themes and aesthetics of the Edo-period prints, creating a dialogue across time. 

Organized by the Norton Museum of Art, That’s Entertainment highlights an important yet rarely exhibited area of the museum’s collection. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience two of Japan’s most celebrated artistic traditions—woodblock printing and kabuki theater—in a single presentation.