In this episode we catch up with Renée Orr to discuss the recently acquired privately-published book of prints by the Japanese woodblock artist Hiroshige (1797-1858).

Renée shares the back story of the book to include reference to the front ex libris bookplate of Hilda Wiseman and the intersection of interests with the book’s creator Percy Neville Barnett.

For images and to read more go to: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2026/03/awekura-hiroshige.html

Books about Japanese woodblock printing and Hiroshige in the lending collection:

Japanese woodblocks : masterpieces of art

https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=e36bdd9e-611c-5d58-82e6-43ea6cb2d187&entityType=FormatGroup

Japanese woodblock prints artists, publishers, and masterworks, 1680-1900

https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=3982e56a-1106-5e03-9b22-5d6ae823939c&entityType=FormatGroup

Hiroshige : 1797-1858 : master of Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock prints

https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=8672e9c2-887f-5952-b655-20dec9edb785&entityType=FormatGroup

Hiroshige : 1797-1858

https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=474de03c-8fb5-53d4-9f5c-2ffa5decc512&entityType=FormatGroup

Hilda Wiseman collection

https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=d712d073-8ee7-5001-9fcd-9487dd240255&entityType=FormatGroup

In another dimension : Auckland bookplates 1920-1960 (PR:PURI 2002)

Link to blog: https://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2015/06/bookplates-hilda-wiseman-and-auckland.html

Awekura is a kupu drawn from Māori weaponry, particularly the taiaha. It refers to the arero, the tongue of the taiaha, which is adorned with kura, red feathers. The term reflects both the physical beauty and their deeper spiritual and narrative significance. Awekura is the name given to our blog and podcast series that showcases treasures within Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, presented by our library specialists.