[Art and Music] 

A new exhibit presents Japanese woodblock prints focusing on aspects of childbirth and child care. The prints range from colorful ukiyo-e scenes to textual drug advertisements and public health notices.

Included are scenes of births in several levels of society: nobles, commoners, and in one case, divine. A striking triptych depicts the birth of the Buddha. Other prints show the births of the son of a Shogun, the legendary Genji, and the child of a European trader.

A set of three prints presents illustrated instructions for mothers about children's health issues. Also included are several advertisements for drugs or services to assist with breast-feeding, relieve the pain of childbirth, or promote children's health.

Please enjoy these treasures from the Library's East Asian Collection, on view in the Parnassus Campus Library's first floor gallery during regular library hours.

You can also view the entire UCSF Japanese Woodblock Print Collection online.

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