Edo in Colour

This event has ended

Chester Beatty, Friday 28th May - Sunday 5th December

From Chester Beatty’s own collections, Edo in Colour explores how woodblock prints shaped fashion, fame and identity in the city now known as Tokyo. From pictures of actors and beauties to masterpieces by Hokusai and Hiroshige, these prints were once as affordable as they are aesthetically refined—a driving force within the popular culture of this vibrant metropolis. Featuring more than one hundred prints and printed books from Japan’s Edo period (c. 1603–1868), the exhibition will be shown in two parts with more to explore online and in the accompanying catalogue. A full programme of lectures, talks and artist-led activities is planned and a selection of Edo-themed prints, stationery and facemasks are available onsite or online from the museum’s Gift Shop.

The Chester Beatty’s collections of Japanese art are internationally renowned. Alfred Chester Beatty (1875–1968) had a long interest in the arts of Japan, but only began collecting Japanese prints in earnest after his move to Dublin. Guided by print specialist Jack Hillier (1912–1995), this exceptional collection which today encompasses more than 850 single sheet prints and 100 printed books was brought together between 1954 and 1963. As part of the project, the commercially-published Japanese prints within the collection (some 450 works) have been fully digitised and made available online.

Presented with the support of the Japan Foundation and Toshiba International Foundation.


Date:
Friday 28th May - Sunday 5th December
Time:
Varies
Price:
Free
Address:
Chester Beatty, Dublin 2, Ireland

Google Map of Chester Beatty, Dublin 2, Ireland

You might also like...

Gifted - The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair: Craft, design, independent brands & artisan food @ the RDS, Dublin. December 4th-8th, 2019.

What's on

Gifted – The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair

RDS

Gifted is the country’s largest celebration of craft, design, and artisan food, showcasing over 400 talented makers and producers. With thousands of original gift ideas, it’s the ultimate destination for anyone seeking handmade, heartfelt presents this festive season. If you are looking for thousands of unique gift ideas for your loved one then come along to Gifted and you’ll get all of your Christmas shopping done in one day, under one roof!

What's on

Halftone

The Library Project

The 11th Edition of HALFTONE Print Fair will be hosted for its longest run period to date 28 November 2025–25 January 2026 at The Library Project. The fair brings together a large selection of works by established and emerging artists, showcasing Ireland’s exciting art scene. HALFTONE is an initiative by PhotoIreland, hosted every year at The Library Project. Every edition, the fair brings together a large selection of works by established and emerging artists, showcasing Ireland’s exciting art scene. Come and enjoy a great selection of artworks from many disciplines and practic

What's on

Dublin Art Book Fair

Temple Bar Gallery + Studios

Temple Bar Gallery + Studios presents the fifteenth edition of Dublin Art Book Fair (DABF). DABF is Ireland's leading art book fair and a centre for contemporary artist books, featuring limited edition books made by artists and designers. The Fair also champions creative, small and independent publishers, both Irish and international. It includes newly published and unusual publications on art, design, visual culture, and select literature and poetry. These can be browsed and purchased throughout the Fair. In 2025, DABF Guest Curator Selina Guinness presents her theme Flock. She has designe