Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and UNIQLO Announce New Collaboration

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), and global apparel retailer UNIQLO have announced a new collection of UT Graphic Tees inspired by ukiyo-e prints from the Museum’s renowned holdings of Japanese art. Drawing on the success of several earlier collaborations, the latest collection comprises six new T-shirts that offer a contemporary take on iconic artworks that include Katsushika Hokusai’s Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa (also known as The Great Wave). The T-shirts are available online, in UNIQLO stores, and at the MFA Shop.

The MFA’s collection of more than 50,000 ukiyo-e woodblock prints is among the largest and finest in the world. Ukiyo-e, which translates to “pictures of the floating world,” was a genre of paintings and prints popular in the 19th century. Ukiyo-e prints were mass-produced commercial products; the artist was only responsible for drawing the design. Wooden blocks—one for each color, in the case of color prints—were carved by professional block cutters, and prints were made from the blocks by professional printers. Members of the public were enthralled by the colorful and highly detailed works, and successful designs sold thousands of impressions.

“The intersection of art and fashion continues to fuel the powerful collaboration between the MFA and UNIQLO. The Museum’s collection of renowned Japanese ukiyo-e prints provides endless inspiration for UT Graphic Tees, which enable us to share this timeless art form with people all over the world,” said Debra LaKind, Senior Director, Intellectual Property and Business Development at the MFA.

“This new UT collection continues UNIQLO’s proud partnership with the MFA, paying homage to our Japanese heritage and sharing the Museum’s world-renowned collection of Japanese art,” said Jean Shein, UNIQLO Global Director of Sustainability. “UNIQLO is committed to making art accessible for all, and we’re thrilled to bring these incredible artworks to life on T-shirts through this meaningful collaboration.”