Japanese Ukiyo-E Prints
Ukiyo-E art was printed from engraved wood. It showed everyday life in Japan and was often made for decorating the home
In the 1750s, the Japanese style of Ukiyo-E printed art emerged. “Ukiyo-E” means “pictures of the floating world.”
The prints depicted everyday life in Japan and were often made for decorating the home.
Ukiyo-E prints were printed from engraved wooden blocks. The first Ukiyo-E prints were black and white. Color printing from multiple blocks was soon introduced, and the most skillful artists could create prints using 20 wooden printing blocks, each printing a different color.
Ukiyo-E prints let us learn about the customs, history, and manners of Japan in the past
The popularity of theater in Japan helped the Ukiyo-E print to flourish, as pictures of actors were popular. The best known artist was Sharaku (see image below), who worked in the 1790s. His prints often focussed on facial expressions and beautiful clothes.
Another popular Ukiyo-E subject was beautiful young women (as in most art !). One of the best artists of this genre was Utamaro, who created delicate Ukioyo-e prints with great skill.
- Japanese Ukiyo-E Art
- Wood engraving of actor
- By Sharaku
- Japanese Ukiyo-E Art
- Wood engraving called A Beauty
- By Utamaro (1753-1808)