What Are Japanese Woodblock Prints Called?

Japanese woodblock prints are called ukiyo-e, which means “pictures of the floating world.” This term refers to a distinctive style of art that became very popular during the Edo period in Japan, between 1603 and 1868. These prints capture scenes from everyday life, nature, theater, and beauty, and they became an important part of Japanese culture.

The word ukiyo (浮世) originally had a sad meaning, describing the “sorrowful world” of human suffering. But during the Edo period, it changed to mean living in the moment and enjoying life’s pleasures, like art, music, and entertainment. The word “e” (絵) means “picture.” Together, ukiyo-e means “pictures of the floating world,” reflecting a joyful and colorful view of life in that time.

🎨 Ukiyo-e as a Unique Art Movement

Ukiyo-e is not just a name but a whole art movement that includes woodblock prints and paintings. These prints were created by a collaborative process where an artist designed the image, a carver carved it into wooden blocks, and a printer applied ink and made the final print. This method allowed for producing many copies of the same artwork, making it affordable and popular among people from many social classes.

Many ukiyo-e artists became famous for their unique styles and subject matter. Katsushika Hokusai is perhaps the best-known, especially for his print The Great Wave off Kanagawa, which is famous worldwide. Utagawa Hiroshige created beautiful landscape series, while Kitagawa Utamaro was known for his delicate portraits of women and scenes from everyday life.

🌍 Ukiyo-e’s Influence Around the World

Ukiyo-e gained international fame in the late 19th century when European artists discovered these prints. This inspired a movement called Japonisme, which influenced many Western painters, including Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. Today, the term ukiyo-e is used worldwide to describe Japanese woodblock prints and is recognized as an important cultural art form.

🖼️ Explore and Collect Ukiyo-e Prints

If you want to experience the beauty and history of ukiyo-e for yourself, visit our curated ukiyo-e collection. We offer authentic originals and high-quality reproductions to suit collectors and newcomers alike. Bring the timeless charm of Japanese woodblock prints into your home with a piece of this incredible artistic heritage.