This month, we feature "Ukiyoe" woodblock prints of the Edo period.
The "Ukiyoe" style was born in Kyoto and later brought to Edo, where woodblock printing became the predominant medium of "Ukiyoe." During the Edo period, woodblock printing was the only economical method of mass reproduction of drawings. It gained popularity to the point that "Ukiyoe" (also known as "Nishiki-e") was recognized as a specialty item of Edo. The literal translation of "Ukiyo" is "floating world." However the meaning of "Ukiyo" is "of this world," and "Ukiyoe" is a picture depicting "Ukiyo". The Buddhists defined "Ukiyo" as a world filled with agony and suffering. Typically, "Ukiyo" represents everyday life and its surroundings. The main themes in "Ukiyoe" are beautiful women, in particular, geishas and women of the Kabuki district of Edo. Later on, "Ukiyoe" came to include landscapes also.
The woodblock printing process required three artisans. First, the "Ukiyoe-shi", draws a picture called the "Shita-e." Then the "Hori-shi" carves wood blocks to resemble the "Shita-e. " Finally, the "Suri-shi" applies ink to the woodblock and prints the image onto paper. The process is painstaking, especially for pictures containing many colors, such as pictures of colorful kimonos. Each color in the "Ukiyoe" requires one woodblock. Furthermore, each color requires a separate pressing during the printing stage. The publisher, "Han-moto" managed the craftsmen; he typically turned large profits, while paying the artisans meager wages. Also, the printing process was strictly regulated by the government. The first two hundred prints were designated as first edition. Regulations required that the blocks be destroyed subsequently. However, illicit copies of popular "Ukiyoe" were printed. In some cases, so many prints were produced that the woodblocks wore out until the fine lines in the "Ukiyoe" were no longer discernible. Nowadays, woodblock prints are made by independent artists and currently there are no government regulations.
Travelers, from the countryside, visiting big cities like Edo (present-day Tokyo), or Osaka, bought woodblock prints as souvenirs. Many Kabuki posters were made by the woodblock printing process. Once a show was discontinued, the unsold prints and prints used for advertising were thrown away, or used as wrapping paper.
Today, many prints can be found in excellent condition, thanks to foreigners. Americans and Europeans carried a great number of masterpiece woodblock prints out of Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Overseas, these prints were appreciated as works of fine art and therefore preserved well by collectors and museums. Meanwhile most Japanese threw prints away as garbage.
Over the years, we have learned to appreciate old wood block prints as fine art; they have provided us with snapshots of Japanese history as well as glimpses into the everyday lives of the people of the past.
Prices are quoted at the beginning of the feature month. We reserve the right to change prices at any time. Please note that we do not update this page to reflect availability of items. If you are interested in purchasing any items, please contact Harumi Antiques.
To see a larger image of each piece, click on the image (~100K).
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1) Prince and princess
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2) Beauty with baby
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3) Beauty with umbrella
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4) Oiran, or Geisha
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5) Kabuki
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6) Beauty with baby and cat
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7) Taking a walk in the field
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8) Taking a walk by the Tamagawa River in Ohmi
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9) Woman reading poem on playing card
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10) Young girl
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11) Novel cover
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12) Ready for revenge
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13) New year's playthings
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14) Doll festival
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