Woodblock Art with a Pokémon Twist

I like fusions of the classic and the modern. One such example is one of the T-shirt designs of the previous ill-fated Pokémon T-shirt contest, which combines a classic work of art with the modern sensibility of Pokémon. As a matter of fact, it wasn't the first time that this happened. Some time ago, there were three Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) that were also combined with some Pokémon influences. The result was three works of art that appealed not only to fans of classic artwork but also fans of the modern thing that is Pokémon.

The earlier artwork that I mentioned, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa", was in fact one of the three. If the T-shirt design predominantly features Magikarp, the other design features a more diverse array of Pokémon. Most of the Pokémon found in it are of the Water type, but there are also other types of Pokémon (including the part-Ice-type Dewgong and the Dragon-type Dragonair), as well as a surfing Pikachu complete with a surfboard. The result is a little bit wacky and off-beat, but the original spirit of the artwork is carried on through, and that's the important thing.

The second featured artwork is one that is part of a series called "The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido", and the artwork depicts the Kanagawa station. Likewise, there is a diversity of featured Pokémon both on land and sea, and even the sky, as a Charizard can be seen flying and carrying an object. On the land side, the people that are depicted in the original painting are replaced with a selection of Pokémon species, including Pikachu and Eevee. As with the "Great Wave" artwork as above, there are also Pokémon prominently seen in the sea.

The last of the three featured works is probably the most dynamic one (and one that I like the most). The original work is a scene from the Chronicles of Yoshitsune, featuring the characters of Yoshitsune and Benkei in a duel on the Gojo Bridge. The Pokémon version instead features Red and his Pikachu battling against an angry Snorlax on a similar bridge. Red is, of course, dressed in a garb that resembles that of the characters, though he retains his characteristic cap; he also carries a Poké Flute to help subdue Snorlax. Everything looks rather expressive, which can explain my attraction to it.

One of the reasons why the woodblock art with a modern touch was commissioned is to get people of the younger generation interested in classical art like these. As an art appreciator myself, I praise such efforts. If they are also as interested in Pokémon as I am, then they'll find beauty in both the Pokémon aspect and the classical art aspect. On that note, these fusions are simply attractive and quite successful in presenting classical works with a modern touch... that is, a touch of Pokémon.

One year ago: Old Adventure, New Sensibilities
Two years ago: Ad Astra per Aspera... and the Third Games