Cressida Campbell

Still life with ukiyo-e print 2008
woodcut, printed in watercolour
Private collection

Many of the ukiyo-e prints that appear in Campbell’s pictures have been acquired during her travels or at auction.

In a recent reflection on her 1985 studies in Japan she stated:

'The most enthralling aspect of being in Japan was having the opportunity of seeing high-quality ukiyo-e exhibitions held on the top floors of glamorous department stores. I was also intrigued by Japanese design and elegant graphic skill across all aspects of life.'

The ukiyo-e print reproduced in Campbell’s work is Toshusai Sharaku’s 1794 woodblock Actor Segawa Tomisaburô II as Yadorigi, Wife of Ôgishi Kurando, hanging alongside an ikebana style arrangement of Japanese allspice, and gum blossoms.