The waters that surround the islands of Japan and flow from its mountain ranges to form rivers and lakes host plants and animals that have sustained human life since prehistoric times. This exhibition features a selection of prints, paintings, illustrated books, and ceramics that depict Japanese appreciation for the beauty and variety of fish and other species. A highlight is the public debut of the “large fish” series—twenty woodblock prints by Hiroshige (1797–1858) gifted to the Freer by John Fuegi and Jo Francis.
Detail, Red Sea Bream (Tai) on Bamboo Leaves by Ogawa Ritsu (1663–1747), Japan, Edo period, 1738, Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1897.30