Japanese Woodblock Prints (1600 - 1800)
Early ukiyo-e, or pictures (e) of the floating world (ukiyo), emerged around 1660 with monochrome prints. The masters of this “primitive” period, such as Moronobu and Masanobu, are known for their elegant and vital lines. By 1700, the first early color prints emerged. Hand-colored with vegetable-based pigments, this process proved costly and was replaced by full-color printing in 1765. Known as the father of color printing, Harunobu ushered in the era of nishiki-e, or brocade pictures, with sensitivity and subtlety. The late 18th century welcomed a “golden age” of ukiyo-e, during which time artists developed the use of color and diversified their approach to subject matter. Sharaku imbued his actor portraits with a greater sense of individualism, while Utamaro delved deeper into the “greenhouses” of the Yoshiwara, considering the private lives of courtesans. Browse our collection of early ukiyo-e below.
104 Products
Utamaro
Shiratsuyu of the Wakanaya, Kamuro Isoji and Isono
JP2581
Utamaro
Courtesan Tsuji from Echizenya and Kamiya no Kiku
JPR1-57834
Utamaro
Courtesan Segawa from the House of Matsubaya
JP1-43930
Toyokuni I
Kabuki Actors Ichikawa Omezo and Iwai Kumesaburo
JP1-46251
Utamaro
Ceremony in the House of Pleasure (Shoka no hoshiki)
JP6112
Utamaro
Lovers Akaneya Hanshichi and Minoya Sankatsu
JP-77908