The Japanese folk paintings known as Otsu-e are very dear to me as they were the subject of my first major exhibition as an Asian art curator at Pacific Asia Museum over 15 years ago. The name Otsu-e derives from Otsu, a town close to Kyoto and the last of the 51 post towns along the Tokaido, an important route that connected Japan’s capital Edo (former Tokyo) and Kyoto. Many travellers took this route and bought food, drink and souvenirs at the towns along the way. Created by local artists, Otsu-e were sold as souvenirs of Otsu in great numbers for little money in shops and stands that were set along the road, like postcards or t-shirts today.

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