A study of the technical materials and publication status of polychrome woodblock prints developed around Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture, during the Edo period

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K12860
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 01060:History of arts-related
• Research Institution: Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (2023); Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music (2020-2022)
• Principal Investigator: Yamato Asuka 独立行政法人国立文化財機構東京文化財研究所, 保存科学研究センター, アソシエイトフェロー (30823752)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 津島版画 / 錦絵 / 地方版画 / 浮世絵版画 / 版木

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 30 ukiyo-e prints produced in and around Tsushima City from the late Edo period to the Meiji period (hereafter referred to as "Tsushima prints"). Utilizing X-ray fluorescence analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and spectral reflectance measurement, we examined the color materials used in these prints. Additionally, we assessed the quality of the support paper using microscopes, thickness gauges, and other relevant equipment. While it was previously assumed that Tsushima prints employed materials and techniques similar to Edo nishiki-e, our analysis revealed notable differences in some of the coloring materials used. Furthermore, although preliminary estimations of production dates were made based on imagery and format, our investigation into the color materials suggested a more nuanced classification of production periods. These periods include pre-Tenpo, Tenpo to mid-Kaei, Kaei to early Meiji, and Meiji period or later.

Free Research Field

近世彩色文化財の技法材料

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、愛知県津島市周辺で制作された津島版画の制作年代について、江戸錦絵の色材研究を基軸とすることで、天保期以前、天保から嘉永中期、嘉永から明治初期、明治以降、20世紀以降（再摺）の五期に分類できる可能性があることを示した。制作年代の推定は、津島版画の技術的・材料的な独自性や、周辺地域との技術交流の関わりやその影響を解明する一助となる。また、津島版画は地方版画の一つとして近年注目を集め始めており、本研究によりその歴史的価値がさらに高まったと考えられる。