Ibasen Ukiyo-e Museum

From humble beginnings selling paper and bamboo, the Ibasen story unfolded. Here at the Ibasen Ukiyo-e Museum, we uncover a legacy woven into the very fabric of Edo, now Tokyo. The Ibasen story began in 1590. Ibaya Kanzaemon, the founder’s father, worked as a craftsman for the Matsudaira family. He journeyed with Tokugawa Ieyasu to Iba-mura. This marked the birth of Ibasen. The exact year remains a mystery, so 1590 is used as the founding year. The Ibasen name itself comes from this village. Ibasen initially provided paper and bamboo to the shogunate. This evolved into crafting fans around 1700. They became known as “Edo Ibasen” fans. Ibasen transformed into a prominent wholesaler, frequenting Edo Castle. They supplied fans to the shogunate itself. The Ibasen Ukiyo-e Museum stands as a testament to this rich history. In the late Edo period, ukiyo-e pictures adorned these fans. This catapulted Ibasen into the world of ukiyo-e. They collaborated with renowned artists like Utagawa Toyokuni I, Kuniyoshi, and Hiroshige. The Ibasen Ukiyo-e Museum showcases this artistic partnership. One intriguing piece, “Specters by Tsuchigumo, Minamoto no Yorimitsu Koshokan,” reveals Ibasen’s rebellious spirit. This seemingly simple demon extermination scene held hidden meaning. The kimono pattern subtly referenced the shogun, Tokugawa Iekei. This act of defiance resonated with the people of Edo. Ibasen, though connected to the shogunate, continued to publish these rebellious works. Another piece, “A waste of writing on the wall of the Hago Hozang,” circumvented the ban on yakusha ukiyo-e. This clever portrayal of actors disguised as graffiti showcased the playful spirit of Edo. The Ibasen Ukiyo-e Museum stands as a vibrant reminder of this legacy. From bamboo and paper to exquisite art, Ibasen’s story is etched in the heart of Tokyo. They didn’t just create fans; they crafted a piece of history. The Ibasen legacy continues to inspire, preserving the traditions and rebellious spirit of Edo.