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.
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231 Products
Unsigned / Unknown Artist
Kabuki Actor Segawa Somenosuke as Takao
JPR1-57647
Eishi
Bijin in a Summer Kimono Holding a Goldfish Bowl
JP5801
Utamaro
Cone-headed Grasshopper and Praying Mantis
JPR-100439
Harunobu
Black and White Oxen and Red and White Plum Blossoms
JP-207871
Koryusai
Oiran Katsuyama and Her Attendants from Minoya
JP2563